Akash Deep storm blows England away

India bounce back with 336-run hammering

- S.KANNAN

NEW DELHI: Hail Akash Deep, the new fast bowling sensation who used the red cherry to devastating effect as India defeated England by 336 runs to win the second Test at the Edgbaston Cricket ground to level the series for the rechristened Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Sunday in Birmingham was scary for India, what with the skies opening up. Almost two hours of play was lost to rain. There was 'Mission Possible' to be achieved as the cocky Englishmen realised they were going to be outplayed at home by a new-look Indian side where captain Shubman Gill led by example.

This is a massive generational shift in Indian Test cricket, defined by will and skill, with famous names-Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma-having retired. Most important, and a revelation, even minus ace of the pace pack Jasprit Bumrah, 28-year-old Akash Deep showed a large heart, good energy and the ability to bowl his heart out. To claim five wickets in the English second innings and claim 10 wickets overall in the Test match made this a feat which will be remembered for a very long time.