'Consistent' Akash Deep bowled exceptionally well for a debutant ...

Former India captain Anil Kumble heaped praise on fast-bowler Akash Deep, saying he bowled exceptionally well for a debutant.

India's Akash Deep in action against England in Ranchi (Reuters)

Former India captain Anil Kumble heaped praise on fast-bowler Akash Deep, saying he bowled exceptionally well for a debutant. Akash Deep had a debut to remember against England at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.

Akash Deep claimed three wickets in his first spell in Test cricket as he crippled England early in Ranchi. Akash Deep dismissed Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley in the first session of Day 1 in Ranchi.

Speaking to JioCinema at Lunch on Day 1, Kumble said the team management got Akash Deep’s selection spot on. Akash Deep was provided his Test cap by head coach Rahul Dravid ahead of their match against England in Ranchi.

“The team management certainly got it spot on. When Bumrah wasn't available for this game, there was an option to pick a fast-bowler. Yes, we though Axar Patel might come in if the pitch was helpful for spinners but Akash Deep has certainly bowled very well. He bowls that much quicker and bowled in really good areas. He bowled good lengths which got the better of the batter,” said Kumble.

IND vs ENG, 4th Test Day 1: Live updates

He went on to say that Akash Deep was very consistent with his line and length, insisting that he bowled exceptionally well for a debutant. Akash Deep’s dream spell left the visitors reeling at 57 for 3 to put India in the driver’s seat early in the fourth Test.

“On this surface it's not easy for strokeplay. So that's something that the batters went searching for. But hat's off to Akash, he just held his line. He was very consistent with his line and length. I thought he bowled exceptionally well for a debutant,” Kumble added.

India will be looking to seal the five-match Test series, having taken a 2-1 lead. England took an early lead in the series following a narrow 28-run win in Hyderabad. The hosts then bounced back with back-to-back wins in Vizag and Rajkot to take a lead in the five-match series.

India starting XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.

England starting XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson.