Akash Deep's Stumps-Targeting Strategy Earns Praise from Broad in India vs. England Test

Broad Hails Akash Deep's Impact: "He Attacks the Stumps"

Former England seamer Stuart Broad has lauded Akash Deep for his impactful performance in the second Test, highlighting the Indian seamer's effectiveness compared to his English counterparts on a docile Edgbaston pitch.

Akash Deep celebrates after dismissing Joe Root.

Broad emphasized Akash Deep's ability to target the stumps, which proved crucial in his success. "He brings the stumps into play, nips the ball, even with the second new ball with Harry Brook (in the first innings), through the gate and off stump out of the ground," Broad told Sky Sports.

He further added, "He's a real threat, and India have to use him wisely again on the final day. He's bowled wicket-taking balls. Start with him tomorrow while the ball's hard and still has some newness. If he needs rest until the next new ball, that's fine."

Broad specifically pointed out how Akash Deep's strategic use of the crease led to the dismissal of Joe Root in the second innings. "Using the crease is crucial. It's a skill and an art that every Test match bowler should have," Broad stated.

Broad elaborated on the importance of varying the release point for bowlers. "Every bowler should have it really. A batter will always line up the same to you," he explained.

"If you can change your release position by a couple of inches at a time, they're not necessarily turning their shoulders or their feet position. That little movement can be that half-bat-width distance that can catch the edge or make them miss it and hit the stump," Broad continued.

He advised aspiring bowlers to practice these variations. "You should practise that in the nets, and if you're going to play league cricket this weekend, just practise changing your angles slightly at the back end of your run. Just go a foot wider but still imagine you're running in at off stump and just work with that, because if there's no swing in the air, you suddenly get a different angle that you can work with."