New Delhi: On December 22, Indian captain Rohit Sharma was struck on the knee by a delivery from throwdown specialist Daya while batting in the nets at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Rohit received immediate medical attention, with the physio icing his left knee. Following the session, India pacer Akash Deep provided an update, reassuring that Rohit will be fit for the Boxing Day Test, stating the injury was minor and typical for a batter during net practice.
“Injuries like thse keep happening when you play. I don’t think it will matter much and he’s okay. He will be seen playing in the Melbourne Test match. There is nothing to worry about,” Deep told the reporters.
Akash Deep was not part of the playing XI in the first two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, he replaced Harshit Rana for the Gabba Test. As the first-change bowler, Deep bowled decently but gave away a significant number of runs. His only wicket in the first innings was that of Alex Carey, who was attempting to accelerate the scoring.
As India neared being bowled out and facing the follow-on, Akash Deep walked in at number 11. He scored 31 runs in a crucial 10th-wicket partnership with Jasprit Bumrah. The tailenders defied Australia’s attack, preventing the follow-on and helping India reach 260. Both Deep and Bumrah hit a six each off Australian captain Pat Cummins during their stand.
Deep also discussed the challenges of bowling in Australian conditions and the pressure bowlers can face.
“It’s a bit difficult. I have played most of my cricket in India, where we can bowl shorter lengths, but here it’s a challenge,” he explained.
“Sometimes you think you’re bowling well, but no matter the conditions or wickets, maintaining discipline as a fast bowler is key,” the 28-year-old added.
