Akash Deep's Stumps-Targeting Prowess Praised by Broad After Second Test

Former England seamer Stuart Broad has lauded the impactful performance of Indian bowler Akash Deep during the second Test. Broad highlighted Akash Deep's effectiveness, especially in comparison to the England pacers on a relatively docile Edgbaston pitch.

Akash Deep celebrates taking the crucial wicket of Joe Root.

Broad explained to Sky Sports, "He brings the stumps into play, nips the ball. Even with the second new ball with Harry Brook (in the first innings), through the gate and off stump out of the ground." He emphasized Akash Deep's ability to consistently threaten the batsmen's wickets.

Broad further commented, "He's a real threat, and India have to use him wisely again on the final day. He's bowled wicket-taking balls tonight. Start with him tomorrow while the ball's hard and while the ball's still got a bit of newness to it, and then maybe if he needs a rest until the next new ball comes, that's fine."

The former England pacer also drew attention to Akash Deep's strategic use of the crease, which played a significant role in dismissing Joe Root in the second innings. "Using the crease. It's crucial. It's a skill and an art that every Test match bowler should have," said Broad.

Broad elaborated on the importance of altering the release point for bowlers. "Every bowler should have it really. I mean, how I used to sort of view it was a batter will always line up the same to you."

He continued, "If you can change your release position by a couple of inches at a time, they're not necessarily turning their shoulders or their feet position. So that little movement can be that half-bat-width distance that can catch the edge or make them miss it and hit the stump."

Broad advised aspiring bowlers to practice these techniques diligently. "You should practise that in the nets, and if you're going to play league cricket this weekend, just practise changing your angles just slightly at the back end of your run. Just go a foot wider but still imagine you're running in at off stump and just work with that, because if there's no swing in the air, you suddenly get a different angle that you can work with." He suggests that even subtle adjustments to the approach can yield significant results, especially when the ball isn't swinging conventionally.