Is Akash Deep Ready for Australia? A Closer Look at His Chances

As India preps for a jam-packed Test season, all eyes are on rising stars like Akash Deep. With overseas tours, especially to the land of kangaroos and bouncy pitches, the selectors are scrutinizing who can tackle those lively surfaces. Akash just made his debut in Dharamshala and flashed some promising talent, but the burning question remains: is he ready to face the Australian challenge? Let’s dive into his performance and skills.

His performance was a sneak peek into his capabilities, proving he can swing it like a seasoned pro. Despite Mukesh Kumar being favored initially, Akash Deep emerged as the more dynamic third-seamer option once given the chance. In conditions where swing bowlers often dominate, Akash’s ability to hit the pitch hard and extract movement stood out. He showcased the ability to get the ball to challenge batters defensively something crucial on faster, harder pitches like those in Australia.

The pitch in Dharamshala was conducive to seam bowling, allowing Akash to exploit the conditions and test the opposition batters with his straight angles and consistent lines. His easy action and decent pace add to his appeal, making him a compelling option, especially for short spells. However, he was somewhat underused in his debut match, only bowling five overs. Still, those brief glimpses were enough to highlight his potential as a strong Test prospect.

Australia’s pitches are known for their extra bounce and pace, demanding more than just conventional swing bowling. Akash Deep’s skill set aligns with those bouncy tracks like a tailender lining up a full toss. Unlike Mohammed Siraj, who relies more on swing and seam release, Akash is more of a hit-the-deck bowler, which means he can generate pace and movement off the pitch rather than in the air. On Australia's lively surfaces, this type of bowling is likely to succeed.

Additionally, his action and straight angles make it difficult for batters to judge the length and line, particularly on quicker tracks. Having this variety in the Indian bowling lineup could serve as a useful complement to swing bowlers like Siraj and the versatile Jasprit Bumrah.

While it's still early days in Akash Deep’s career, he has already impressed the Indian selectors. With India’s rich pool of fast-bowling talent, competition is fierce for spots, especially for a third-seamer role. The team’s decision to play Akash in his debut match despite conditions that might have favored three spinners shows their belief in his abilities.

The question remains whether he can consistently deliver at the highest level. As India considers its squad for the Australia tour, Akash Deep is already penciled in as a strong contender for the third seamer spot. His relatively fresh experience in Test cricket means he’s still learning, but his skill set aligns well with what India will need Down Under.

In Australia, teams often prefer fast bowlers who can bowl long spells, extract bounce, and maintain control on challenging surfaces. Akash Deep’s ability to hit the seam consistently suggests he could play a crucial supporting role in India’s bowling attack. While Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will likely lead the pace unit, Akash can be the third option who ties down one end and builds pressure, allowing the other bowlers to attack.