Akash Deep is potential replacement for Mohammad Shami: Matthew Hayden

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden picked Akash Deep as India’s 3rd seamer for the 1st Test between India and Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy series. Hayden recalled Shami’s brilliant record in Perth, where the 1st Test will be played, and emphasised on his importance in the day and night Test match in Adelaide, where the pink ball swings under the lights. The former player picked Akash Deep as Shami’s replacement in the Perth and Adelaide Tests. Shami was not picked in India’s jumbo 18-member squad as the BCCI keeps a close eye on his recovery after the ankle surgery.

“One of the aspects I’m looking forward to is the competition within the competition – the world-class bowling line-ups of both Australia and India. There’s also the question of who will replace Mohammed Shami, who bowled brilliantly, not just in Perth – where he’s the highest wicket-taker with six wickets at an average of 22 – but across the summer. His effectiveness is particularly crucial in day-night Tests, where seamers shine under twilight conditions.,” the Channel 7 commentator, Hayden, said in the press conference.

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“Amongst the three seamers, Hashit Rana, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna. A like for like, I know Prasidh Krishna did pretty well in the unofficial test matches, but Akash Deep, for me, is probably the nearest replacement to a Mohammad Shami type role, potentially even a little bit taller as well. So I think he’ll go really well in both Perth and Adelaide,” he added.

Akash Deep’s performance in Tests

Akash Deep has been impressive in his recent outings in red-ball cricket in the sub-continent conditions. In 5 matches, Akash has 10 wickets and is known for providing early breakthroughs with the new ball.

“Pace batteries will be key”

Hayden felt that the speedsters from both the Indian and Australian sides would be key to them.

“For both sides, the key lies in their pace batteries, capable of inflicting serious damage. On the batting side, there’s a concern due to limited long-format cricket over the past year. It’ll be fascinating to see which batters adapt best to Test cricket under BGT’s immense pressure.”

Hayden gave the example of Nathan Lyon’s brilliant record at Perth and highlighted Washington Sundar’s all-round role.

“It’s also worth noting that Nathan Lyon has 27 wickets in Perth at an average of 18. This might prompt India to consider Washington Sundar, not just for his batting but for his overspin and bounce, which Lyon uses so effectively across Australian venues. There are plenty of exciting battles within battles to anticipate,” he added.