Akash Deep’s remarkable 10-wicket performance against England in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston continues to impress with its statistical significance. This exceptional feat was instrumental in snapping India’s losing streak at Edgbaston, paving the way for a dominant 336-run victory that leveled the series.
What makes Akash Deep’s achievement even more remarkable is that he secured his maiden 10-wicket haul in just his eighth Test match, a milestone reached earlier than established pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, who collectively boast 148 Test appearances.
Akash Deep stands as only the second Indian fast bowler to claim a 10-fer on English soil, following in the footsteps of Chetan Sharma, and he is the first Indian quick to achieve this overall since Umesh Yadav in 2018. Ten-wicket hauls are a rare occurrence in Test cricket, and even more so for Indian fast bowlers. The top four Indians on the list of 10-fers in Tests are all spinners, with only two fast bowlers—Kapil Dev and Irfan Pathan—having accomplished it more than once, each twice. For context, Jasprit Bumrah, widely considered one of India’s greatest pacers, holds a career-best of 9/86. Mohammed Siraj, known for his wicket-taking streaks, has a best of 8/126, while Mohammed Shami, with 229 Test wickets, has also fallen short of a 10-wicket haul, with his best figures being 9/118. Shami currently holds the record as India’s highest wicket-taker without a 10-fer to his name.
Beyond the impressive statistics, Akash Deep’s 10-wicket haul carried a profound emotional weight. He dedicated this memorable performance to his sister, Akhand Jyoti, who recently received a cancer diagnosis, adding a deeply personal layer to his on-field triumph.
Well played, Akash Deep.
