ENG vs IND 2025: ‘Not easy for a pacer playing his first game here’ – Pujara praises Akash Deep’s brave effort on Day 2 of Edgbaston Test

Akash Deep must have been under pressure going into the second Test because he was replacing the famous Jasprit Bumrah. However, the Bengal seamer fared admirably in his first spell with the ball, taking two wickets in the final session at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Cheteshwar Pujara was particularly delighted by Deep’s response after allowing 12 runs in England’s first over. In his second over, the 28-year-old took the wickets of in-form Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope with consecutive deliveries.

“The way he began was brilliant to watch. The first over yielded 12 runs, but the way he fought back—bowling the same length repeatedly—showed true courage. As a fast bowler, you must believe in your own abilities. “He was under pressure early on, but came back strong and took two wickets,” Pujara told the media.

The former India batter stated that it is difficult for a bowler to do well in his first Test match in England, especially if he has not previously played County cricket in the European country.

Pujara praised Deep for being courageous and setting the tone for India with the new ball right away.

“That is astounding, especially given that it is his first Test match in England. He hasn’t played County cricket either, so to perform like that requires guts. It’s not easy for a fast bowler to make his debut here, but he really set the tone for India—first with the score, and then with the bowlers making early inroads,” Pujara said.