From rookie with no ‘dukes’ experience to plotting India’s epic win at Edgbaston – Akash thankful to Jassi bhai

India scripted history at Edgbaston with a resounding win, thanks to a sensational bowling performance from debutant Akash Deep. The pacer capped off a match-winning spell with a six-wicket haul, dismissing Brydon Carse for 38 to seal India’s first-ever Test victory at the iconic English venue. Carse fell to a short and wide delivery, slashing it straight to Shubman Gill at cover, who took a sharp catch to end England's resistance.

For Akash Deep, the victory was the culmination of patience, adaptation, and sheer grit. Before leaving for England, the 28-year-old from Bihar was excited about bowling with the Dukes ball. “Jassi bhai ne bola hai ki Dukes kaafi hilta hai… kabhi daala nahi hai, but kaafi excited hoon,” he had said to The Times of India, referencing senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s insights into English conditions.

However, on arrival, he was greeted with an unhelpful pitch at Edgbaston. Laughing with Cheteshwar Pujara after Day 2, Akash joked, "Mere saath dhokha ho gaya," realising the surface was similar to Indian tracks. But his experience in the Ranji Trophy proved invaluable.

Across both innings, Akash was relentless. He took 4 wickets in the first and 6 in the second, finishing with a stunning match figure of 10 wickets. His second-innings dismissal of Joe Root — angling in and then seaming away to beat the bat — stood out as a moment of brilliance.

“That was a dream delivery,” said India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel. “To dismiss someone like Root in that fashion shows the quality Akash has. Hopefully, he’ll replay that on his phone tonight and bring more like it in the future.”

On Day 5, the conditions finally favoured seamers after overnight rain, and Akash made full use of the moisture, attacking the stumps and using the crease to change angles.

With Bumrah rested, Akash Deep stepped into the spotlight — and delivered. His performance didn’t just win India a Test; it etched his name into Indian cricket history. Even “Jassi bhai” would be proud. (With inputs from Agencies)