Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif showered praise on Akash Deep for bamboozling England’s veteran batter Joe Root in the second innings of the second Test at Edgbaston. Root was dismissed after scoring 22 runs in the first innings as he got out to a innocuous delivery down the leg side in the first innings from Mohammed Siraj.

In the second innings, Akash Deep used the release angle with guile as he delivered the ball from wide of the crease. Deep then got the ball to move away from the right-hander to leave Root in shock after England’s main batter had scored only six runs. 

Mohammad Kaif said on his Instagram, “Akash Deep’s strength is very similar to what we have seen with Mohammad Shami. The ball zips past quickly after pitching and there is also a lot of movement. Joe Root is England’s main batter, and it is not easy to get him out. A batter like him, usko bilkul anadi bana diya Test match mein Akash Deep ne (Akash Deep made him look totally naive).

“He looked to play it on the leg side, and the ball pitched and hit the off stump. He fooled a batter like Joe Root.”

Meanwhile, Deep returned with impressive match figures of 10-187, which is the best for any Indian bowler in English conditions. The Bengal fast bowler bagged 4-88 in the first innings and then took 6-99 in the second innings.

On the other hand, Ashwin said India would be the favorites if Joe Root doesn’t score runs in the third Test at Lord’s.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “England’s bowling is looking very pedestrian. On the other hand, Joe Root is getting pinned down. Can Joe Root make those runs? If Root makes runs, England have a chance; otherwise, India are firm favorites going into this Test match.”

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Lord’s, London from 10th July onwards.