Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that the visitors would not look to make too many changes to their bowling line-up for the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. However, he suggested that India should keep pacer Akash Deep in the mix, given that the pink ball could offer seam and swing.
India defeated Australia by 295 runs in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Perth. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, pacer Jasprit Bumrah led from the front and was named player of the match for taking eight wickets. Besides Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, debutants Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy were part of the Indian bowling attack in the first Test.
Speaking to ICC Review, Shastri explained that while Harshit was very impressive in his first Test, India needs to keep an eye on Akash Deep given that the second Test in Adelaide will be played with the pink ball.
“The only thing you have to remember is a pink ball Test. I know Harshit Rana did very well in that Test match, but the pink ball with extra lacquer, it is a little tougher , could move around a bit and swing. [That’s] where I think Akash Deep should be in the mix,” the former India all-rounder said.
“Now when you reach the ground you see the conditions, [whether] you go for extra bounce and pace, it's your choice. But I would definitely keep him in those 12 and keep an eye on him,” Shastri added.
There were question marks over India's decision to grant debut to Harshit and Reddy in Perth, but both players made significant contributions to the visitors' memorable victory. Harshit took three wickets in the first innings and also collected the last wicket that fell in the match. As for Reddy, he top-scored for India with 41 in the first innings and was unbeaten with 38 off 27 balls in the second.
Akash Deep has had an impressive start to his Test career
While Harshit was preferred over Deep Akash for the first Test against Australia in Perth, the latter also did a good job in the limited opportunities presented to him. In five Tests, the Bengal pacer has taken 10 wickets at an impressive average of 25.80.
The 27-year-old recorded figures of 3-83 on his Test debut against England in Ranchi in February 2024. He also claimed 2-19 against Bangladesh in Chennai and 2-43 against the same opposition in Kanpur.
Edited by Renin Wilben Albert
Cricket ,
