- July 7, 2025
Picture this: England 72/3, the top order going poorly, and the one doing the most damage? Not Bumrah. Not Siraj. It was Akash Deep, the least experienced member in the Test and International set-up for India, who caused damage at Edgbaston. Stuart Broad, one of England’s best seamers, was not shy with his praise; he said as much with his reaction. “India must manage him right,” he said. And it appeared he may be on to something large.
The Akash Deep Effect: More Than Just Early Wickets
Let me begin with what happened on Day 4. After India laid down an imposing target of 608, England was under considerable pressure. Then, we had Akash Deep – hitting the deck hard, skidding it down, and taking the ball on a drying Edgbaston surface with pleasure. Quickly, in a matter of overs, he had both Ben Duckett and Joe Root gone. Yes, that Joe Root.
It wasn’t only the wickets that were impressive but how he took them. He bowled straight, full, or seam, and with good speed, hitting the stumps and cracks. It was aggressive and clinical – this is the way of an experienced performer, not a newcomer in just his second Test. Broad emphasized that Akash was a little shorter in comparison to those like Carse or Tongue, which allowed him to bowl fuller and straighter, just what you want when the pitch is seam and doing just enough off the cracks.
Broad’s Wisdom: Timing Is Everything
This is where Stuart Broad’s cricketing brain came into play. “Use him wisely,” he acknowledged, proposing that India should use Akash earlier on Day 5 and then rest him until the second new ball was available. Why? Because on pitches like this, the early morning moisture and hardness of the ball can turn an otherwise unplayable delivery unplayable. Especially with someone like Deep, who takes wickets rather than just builds pressure, you want him working when conditions are in your favour.
Broad’s rationale is clear and robust. Don’t over-bowl the guy, and don’t work him like a draught horse. Treat him as a weapon of devastation. Use him when the ball is new and threatening. Give him rest.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Growing Bowling Arsenal
The evolution of India’s bowling unit is in this series even clearer. This is no longer a Bumrah show. Akash Deep’s emergence is clear evidence that India is capable of producing quality fast bowlers who have pace, but also are tactically minded. With the performances he is producing under pressure, India suddenly has more questions to answer—and more headaches for the opposition.
So far in this Test match, India has shown staggering batting and bowling dominance over England. From Shubman Gill’s stunning aggression with the bat to the melee of an unrelenting bowling attack, this team has hit back hard after Headingley. They have not sulked. They have hit back hard. And are best placed to square the series.
Broad even acknowledged he thought the series might’ve been over after Day 5 at Headingley. But this Indian team was not having it.
Akash Deep’s spell on Day 4 was not just an extraordinary few overs—it was a statement. A statement that India’s strength in fast-bowling depth is not only alive, but also kicking and ready for the limelight. Stuart Broad’s note to “use him wisely” is more than just advice—it’s a blueprint for India to win not only this Test but future ones as well.
So, the question remains: will India be sensible and employ Broad’s template, or follow their instincts and overuse their trump card?
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