‘Reward for Ranji Trophy excellence’: Fans react as Bengal pacer Akash Deep makes international debut in IND vs ENG 4th Test

The fourth match of the India vs England riveting Test series has got underway at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, February 23. The home team is currently leading the series 2-1. They were stunned in the opener in Hyderabad but bounced back in Vishakapattanam and dominated the third Test in Rajkot. It was an all-rounder effort that helped India go up in the series.

Centuries from Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, brilliant debuts from Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jural and a four-wicket haul from Mohammad Siraj were the highlights of the Indian first innings. In the second innings, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal led the batting unit with a double ton, while Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz excelled with half-centuries. Jadeja’s fifer and Kuldeep Yadav’s impressive spell sealed India’s massive win by 434 runs.

Rohit and Co. will no doubt be a confident side in Ranchi, but Ben Stokes’ men cannot be underestimated as they aim for a strong comeback to level the series. Meanwhile, a massive setback for India is that they are missing premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah in their bowling attack. The Indian vice-captain has been instrumental in the team’s performance so far in the series, and his absence will be an advantage for the visitors.

Bengal pacer Akash Deep has been picked as Bumrah‘s replacement. While Deep has big shoes to fill, his impressive performances in the domestic circuit will give Indian fans hope. However, it was his stellar spell with a 12-wicket haul across three matches against the England Lions that convinced the selectors to select him for the ongoing series. He was handed the maiden Test cap by head coach Rahul Dravid.

Speaking at the toss, captain Rohit said: “We would have batted first as well. Looks a bit dry and has some cracks, but that’s the nature of the pitch here. The last two games were good for us and we’ll have to play in the same way. Proud of a lot of young guys in the squad, they’ve taken the responsibility and have taken the challenge head-on. They are confident in their skills, moving forward it’s a good thing. One change with Akash Deep making his debut.”

IND vs ENG 4th Test Playing XI

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson