Akash Deep poised to step up in absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami in BGT: ‘He has the skills to succeed’

Akash made a dramatic entrance onto the pitch, swinging with bounce that caused Bangladesh a number of problems. In the ninth over, he enticed Zakir into a false shot, resulting in an edge that flew towards gully. Yashasvi Jaiswal was on high alert and managed to pull off a spectacular catch, providing the breakthrough that the team desperately needed. Akash's momentum continued as he struck again, this time dismissing Shadman and delivering a powerful blow to Bangladesh's batting line-up.

He has been filling the big shoes of injured Mohammed Shami in the ongoing series; however, it would be tough for him to retain his place in the XI.

Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has praised Akash's impressive start to his Test career and said India will need his services in BGT later this year.

"Akash has done a lot of bowling in domestic cricket. He understands what needs to be done. He also relies a lot on seam movement. You need that kind of bowler in Australia who can nip it around off the seam," Mhambrey told Times of India.

It is going to be a five-match series, and Mhambrey feels that India might have to rest the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami in a match or two, and that's where Akash will have a bigger role in the team.

"We are lucky to have someone like Bumrah who loves to play Test cricket. But Bumrah and Shami need to be rested in the middle of a long series. That's when the strategic selection comes into play," he added.

Meanwhile, talking about a left-arm pace option, Mhambrey suggested that it's too early for India to get Arshdeep Singh in the Test set-up and backed Yash Dayal to take a flight to Australia.

"I feel Arshdeep maybe needs a bit more time to grow with the red ball but Dayal looks as someone who could hit the deck. First things first, you need bowlers who can hit the deck hard and derive seam movement in Australia. The Kookaburra balls are best to bowl within the first 30 overs. After that the conditions become very flat," Mhambrey added.