Melbourne, Dec 22 (NationPress) In anticipation of the Boxing Day Test against Australia, Indian fast bowler Akash Deep disclosed his approach while batting during the fourth day of the third Test at Brisbane, emphasizing that his intention was to remain at the crease and feeling pleased that his performance assisted the visitors in dodging the follow-on.
While in Brisbane, Akash entered the batting order when India was at 213/9, managing to secure a vital 31 runs off 44 balls, which ultimately helped the team avoid a follow-on, forming a 47-run partnership with Jasprit Bumrah for the last wicket.
“As lower-order batsmen, contributions of 20-25-30 runs are extremely significant. My focus was purely on contributing. I wasn't aiming to simply prevent the follow-on that day; my main goal was to stay not out. Thankfully, we managed to avert the follow-on,” he remarked.
“When you manage to save the team from such precarious situations, it boosts the confidence of the entire squad, and that was evident in our dressing room. Everyone was in high spirits and enjoying themselves,” Akash shared with reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.
Discussing his debut experience bowling in a Test match in Australia, Akash mentioned, “It is somewhat challenging. Most of my cricket has been played in India, where we can bowl shorter lengths, but here it presents a different challenge.”
“At times, you might feel like you are bowling well. Regardless of the pitch or conditions, maintaining discipline as a fast bowler is crucial,” he emphasized.
He also highlighted Bumrah's role as a mentor for the pace bowling unit during the tour of Australia, stating, “This is my first experience playing in Australia. Jassi bhai continuously advises us on how to approach our tasks; it simplifies our responsibilities. He advised me, ‘Don’t get overly enthusiastic. Just concentrate on your discipline. Execute your approach in Indian conditions here as well.’ That was his key advice to me.”
With the series presently tied at 1-1, Akash concluded by expressing that India has gained significant confidence from the draw in Brisbane, which will be beneficial as they prepare for the match in Melbourne starting on Thursday.
“The series stands at 50-50 as we head into the final two Test matches. Although we trailed for most of the last match, the confidence we acquired on the final day is essential. Moving into the Boxing Day Test, I believe it's evenly matched at 50-50,” he added.
