Broad Hails Akash Deep's Stump-Targeting Tactics in Second Test vs. England

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has lauded the effectiveness of Indian seamer Akash Deep during the second Test match, highlighting his strategic approach on a relatively unresponsive Edgbaston pitch.

Akash Deep's celebration after dismissing Joe Root showcases his crucial impact on the match.

Broad, speaking to Sky Sports, emphasized Akash Deep's ability to consistently target the stumps, making him a significant threat to the batsmen. "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, underscoring the bowler's precision and effectiveness.

The former England pacer suggested that India should strategically utilize Akash Deep, particularly when the ball is new and hard. "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.

Broad also drew attention to Akash Deep's clever utilization of the crease, which played a pivotal role in dismissing Joe Root in the second innings.

"Using the crease. It's crucial. It's a skill and an art that every Test match bowler should have," Broad stated, emphasizing the importance of this technique. He elaborated on how varying the release point can disrupt a batsman's rhythm and create opportunities for wickets.

He further explained, "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 varying their angles, even in less formal settings. "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."