Akash Deep, a little-known pacer from Bihar’s Sasaram, scripted a dream comeback story as India crushed England by 336 runs at Edgbaston to level the five-Test series 1-1 and break a 58-year jinx at the venue. With Jasprit Bumrah missing, the 28-year-old seized the moment, grabbing a match-haul of 10 wickets, including a career-best 6/99 in the second innings.

England, chasing a daunting 608, were bundled out for 271 on the final day. Shubman Gill, leading in place of Rohit Sharma, starred with the bat, scoring 269 and 161, but it was Akash’s lion-hearted spells that stole the show on a batting-friendly pitch.

Coming from a humble background—the son of a schoolteacher who once played tennis-ball cricket for pocket money—Akash’s rise has been meteoric. Discovered by Bengal selectors, he made his first-class debut in 2019. On Day 5, he dismissed Ollie Pope and Harry Brook early, before removing Jamie Smith with a slow bouncer to seal his maiden five-wicket haul. Fittingly, he took the final wicket too, triggering jubilant celebrations.

Siraj, with seven wickets and sharp catching, supported brilliantly. Spinners Jadeja and Sundar also contributed crucial breakthroughs, while England’s resistance crumbled under pressure. Only Jamie Smith (88) offered a fight.

The atmosphere at Edgbaston turned electric as Indian fans, who outnumbered local supporters after ticket prices were slashed, roared in delight. With Bumrah set to return for the Lord’s Test, Akash has likely sealed his place after a performance that announced his arrival on the world stage.

For Gill, it was a perfect captaincy debut. For Akash Deep, it was a cathartic release—each stride towards the crease powered by the image of his cancer-stricken sister, watching from afar.

Akash Deep, a little-known pacer from Bihar’s Sasaram, scripted a dream comeback story as India crushed England by 336 runs at Edgbaston to level the five-Test series 1-1 and break a 58-year jinx at the venue. With Jasprit Bumrah missing, the 28-year-old seized the moment, grabbing a match-haul of 10 wickets, including a career-best 6/99 in the second innings.

England, chasing a daunting 608, were bundled out for 271 on the final day. Shubman Gill, leading in place of Rohit Sharma, starred with the bat, scoring 269 and 161, but it was Akash’s lion-hearted spells that stole the show on a batting-friendly pitch.

Coming from a humble background—the son of a schoolteacher who once played tennis-ball cricket for pocket money—Akash’s rise has been meteoric. Discovered by Bengal selectors, he made his first-class debut in 2019. On Day 5, he dismissed Ollie Pope and Harry Brook early, before removing Jamie Smith with a slow bouncer to seal his maiden five-wicket haul. Fittingly, he took the final wicket too, triggering jubilant celebrations.

Siraj, with seven wickets and sharp catching, supported brilliantly. Spinners Jadeja and Sundar also contributed crucial breakthroughs, while England’s resistance crumbled under pressure. Only Jamie Smith (88) offered a fight.

The atmosphere at Edgbaston turned electric as Indian fans, who outnumbered local supporters after ticket prices were slashed, roared in delight. With Bumrah set to return for the Lord’s Test, Akash has likely sealed his place after a performance that announced his arrival on the world stage.

For Gill, it was a perfect captaincy debut. For Akash Deep, it was a cathartic release—each stride towards the crease powered by the image of his cancer-stricken sister, watching from afar.