Zaheer Khan backs Akash Deep to be India’s third seamer in Australia Test series
Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has backed Akash Deep to be India’s third seamer in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Notably, India will tour Australia for a five-match series beginning from November 22 as the two teams will lock horns in a five-match Test series for the first time since 1991-92.
Ahead of the series, India will have to look for the third seam option if Mohammed Shami doesn’t get match-ready in time. In his place, Akash Deep recently filled in as the third seamer for the first Test against Bangladesh and bowled a brilliant spell of 2/19 in five overs.
The 27-year-old has impressed Zaheer with his exploits so far who’s confident of him filling in as third seamer.
“There is no doubt about that. If you look at the Indian team’s playing XI and there are talks about three seamers, Akash Deep is the third. So obviously when we talk about Australia, about that tour, we could see Akash Deep part of the team,” said Zaheer on Cricbuzz.
Akash had a marvellous debut in international cricket as he replaced Jasprit Bumrah during the fourth Test against England in Ranchi earlier this year. The 27-year-old picked 3/83 in the first innings dismissing Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in a magnificent new ball spell.
Further speaking ahead, Zaheer compared his bowling style with Mohammad Siraj and mentioned how he attacks the fourth stump line. The former fast bowler also hailed him for his aggression.
“Like how Siraj approaches it. He attacks the stump a lot fourth stump, off stump. The more deliveries you put around that on good length consistently, and it is important in the Test match level. Akash Deep has all of that and he showed he has that aggression needed for a pacer. He has good potential and if he gets chances, his self-belief will increase and he will contribute to the team,” he added.
In two matches played in his career so far, Akash has picked five wickets at an average of 24.4 with best figures of 3/83. The youngster will be eager to continue his good form and make a strong case a strong case for his selection in the Australia Tests.
