Akash Deep's Stumps-Targeting Strategy Lauded by Broad in England Test

Broad Hails Akash Deep's Impact: "He Brings The Stumps Into Play"

Former England seamer Stuart Broad has lauded Akash Deep's impressive performance in the second Test, highlighting his effectiveness on a relatively placid Edgbaston track. Broad contrasted Akash Deep's success with the struggles faced by the England pacers.

Akash Deep celebrates a key wicket.

"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 explained on Sky Sports.

Broad emphasized the threat Akash Deep posed to the batsmen and advised the Indian team on how to best utilize him. "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 while the ball's hard and still has some newness to it. If he needs a rest until the next new ball, that's fine," Broad suggested.

Furthermore, Broad specifically pointed out Akash Deep's clever use of the crease, which contributed to dismissing 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," said Broad.

He elaborated on the importance of altering the release point for bowlers: "Every bowler should have it really. A batter will always line up the same to you. If you can change your release position by a couple of inches, 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 encouraged bowlers to practice these variations: "You should practice that in the nets, and if you're going to play league cricket this weekend, just practice 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."