Akash Deep is a potential replacement for Mohammed Shami: Matthew Hayden
"One of the aspects I'm looking forward to is the competition within the competition - the world-class bowling line-ups of both Australia and India," Matthew Hayden said.
Matthew Hayden picked Akash Deep as India's third seamer for the first Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, starting on Friday, November 22. The former Australian opener drew similarities between Akash and Mohammed Shami, who has a phenomenal record in Perth.
Shami returned to competitive cricket last week after recovering from an ankle injury. The 34-year-old took seven wickets and also contributed with the bat as he helped Bengal beat five-time champions Madhya Pradesh by 11 runs. However, Shami didn't manage to impress the national selectors enough to earn a call-up to the Indian side which is busy in their last-minute preparation for the high-profile Tests against Australia.
Hayden recalled Shami's remarkable six-for in Perth in 2018 and said that Akash could be the potential replacement for the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
"One of the aspects I'm looking forward to is the competition within the competition - the world-class bowling line-ups of both Australia and India. There's also the question of who will replace Mohammed Shami, who bowled brilliantly, not just in Perth - where he's the highest wicket-taker with six wickets at an average of 22 - but across the summer. His effectiveness is particularly crucial in day-night Tests, where seamers shine under twilight conditions.," the Channel 7 commentator, Hayden, said in the press conference.
"Amongst the three seamers, Hashit Rana, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna. A like for like, I know Prasidh Krishna did pretty well in the unofficial test matches, but Akash Deep, for me, is probably the nearest replacement to a Mohammad Shami-type role, potentially even a little bit taller as well. So I think he'll go really well in both Perth and Adelaide," he added.
Akash Deep impressive start in Test cricket
The 27-year-old made his India debut during the Test series against England earlier this year. He has played five Test matches so far and picked up 10 wickets at an average of 25.80.
Akash hasn't bowled too many long spells as he has only played in India where the conditions were in favour of the spinners. However, he has shown the ability to make things happen by keeping an upright seam and targeting the stumps.
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