Akash Deep's Stumps-Targeting Strategy Earns Praise from Broad in Second Test

India's Akash Deep celebrates after bowling out England's Joe Rootduring day four of the second cricket test match between England and India at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England. AP/PTI(AP07_05_2025_000546B)

Akash Deep's celebration after dismissing Joe Root, showcasing his impactful performance.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Broad emphasized Deep's ability to consistently threaten the stumps. "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 noted, underscoring Deep's precision and effectiveness.

Broad suggested that India should utilize Deep strategically. "He's a real threat and, you know, India have to use him wisely again on the final day. He's bowled wicket-taking balls tonight. Start with him tomorrow while the ball's hard and while the ball's still got a bit of newness to it, and then maybe if he needs a rest until the next new ball comes, that's fine," he advised.

The former England bowler also highlighted the importance of Akash Deep's use of the crease, particularly in the second innings when he dismissed Joe Root.

"Using the crease. It's crucial. It's a skill and an art that every Test match bowler should have," Broad stated.

He further elaborated on the advantage gained by varying the release point. "Every bowler should have it really. I mean, how I used to sort of view it was a batter will always line up the same to you. 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. So 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 this skill. "You should practise that in the nets, and if you're going to play league cricket this weekend, just practise changing your angles just 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."