Akash Deep Shines at Edgbaston: The Boy from Sasaram Who Took 5 Wickets to Rattle England in Just 8 Overs
Akash Deep, the rising star from Sasaram, stunned England at Edgbaston with a fiery 5-wicket haul in just 8 overs. A new pace sensation emerges
On July 6, 2025, Edgbaston bore witness to a seismic moment in Indian cricket. Akash Deep—a fast bowler from Sasaram, Bihar—carved his name into history, claiming a sensational 10-wicket haul (4 / 88 & 6 / 99) to dismantle England and lead India to a staggering 336-run victory. It was India’s first-ever Test win at Edgbaston in nine attempts, leveling the series 1–1
Akash Deep’s 10 wickets constitute the best match figures by an Indian fast bowler in England, surpassing Chetan Sharma’s 10/188 at Birmingham in 1986
1st innings: 4–88
2nd innings: 6–99, including a career-first five-wicket haul
He cleaned up key batsmen across both innings—Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, and Brydon Carse—-undermining England’s chase of a gargantuan 608-run target
Born on December 15, 1996, in Sasaram—a town with scant infrastructure for cricket—Akash’s roots are humble. His father, a schoolteacher, initially discouraged his cricketing ambitions, urging him to pursue a government job
But tragedy struck hard: within six months he lost his father and elder brother, and fell into supporting his mother and two sisters
Needing income, Akash relocated to Durgapur, West Bengal—playing tennis‑ball matches (earning ₹800/day) and later securing a club contract through the Bengal U‑23 circuit. He honed his bowling under Ranadeb Bose as part of ‘Vision 2020’, overcame serious back injury, and made his Test debut in February 2024 against England
Akash’s intensity was instant. Despite an expensive start (12 runs conceded in his first over and a no-ball), he bounced back, removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope—both dismissed for ducks—and ended with 4/88
His control and seam movement unsettled the England lineup, supported by Siraj’s 6/70
Entrusted to defend 608, India opened with new-ball dominance. Akash uprooted Pope and Brook in his first six overs (2/22), and crucially ended Ben Stokes’ resistance via a Sundar-assisted lbw call His sixth-wicket haul was sealed when he dismissed Jamie Smith, finishing with 6/99 His final victim, Carse, edged one to Gill—completing the 10/187 match figure triumph
Akash Deep is an attacking bowler… conditions suit him… the more confidence, the better he gets.
England “underperformed… wrong decision at the toss… Akash Deep’s exceptional bowling
Media hailed this as India’s biggest margin away win and their first at Edgbaston—the ground famed for its hostile crowd and rich Test history
“Whenever I picked the ball, only thoughts of my sister crossed my mind… I want to see a smile on her face.”
His journey—from hiding cricket ambitions in Sasaram to sustaining his family, overcoming injury, and shining on the world stage—is inspiring, to say the least.
Breaking a 58-year Edgbaston jinx (first since 1967)
Second Indian to take a 10‑wicket haul in England Tests
Fifth Indian to claim a Test fifer at Edgbaston, joining Chetan Sharma, Kapil Dev, Ishant Sharma, and Siraj
Series impact: India leveled 1–1, heading next to Lord’s (July 10) with confidence, backed by the return of Jasprit Bumrah
Akash Deep’s moment at Edgbaston is more than just match-winning figures—it signals the emergence of a new Indian fast-bowling arsenal. His swing, discipline, and mental toughness—but also his heart—were praised by teammates and critics alike .
For England, the yawning gap in seam-bowling depth was laid bare, prompting talk of recalling Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson for Lord’s
As India prepare for Lord’s, the third Test looms with Bumrah returning, Shubman Gill in prime form, and a bolstered attack—though Akash Deep will now demand regular selection.
A commanding victory margin of 336 runs, their biggest ever in overseas Tests
Confidence boost: mastering English conditions without their spearhead, Bumrah.
Emerging fast-bowling depth, with Deep bolstering Siraj and Krishna
Inspiring narrative: from Bihar’s croplands to cricketing glory, transcending socio-economic barriers.
Akash Deep’s Edgbaston heroics are a testament to raw talent, relentless determination, and unclenching grit. His 10-wicket haul—4/88 and 6/99—were more than statistics; they were declarations:
- A new pace force has arrived on the global stage.
- Indian Test cricket’s resilience and inclusivity have a fresh icon.
- Legendary stories often begin in places no one expects. From Sasaram to England, via Durgapur and Bangalore, Akash Deep’s story inspires.
As the series shifts to Lord’s on July 10, all eyes will be on whether India can build on this momentum. Will Akash Deep retain his spot alongside Bumrah? Will England mend their bowling strategy? One thing’s clear: the Edgbaston echo of Deep’s masterclass is only the beginning.
