IND vs ENG, 4th Test: Akash Deep Shines on Debut, Root’s Ton Gives England Upper Hand on Day 1

Ranchi: In the fourth Test match between India and England in Ranchi, debutant Indian pace bowler Akash Deep made an impressive start by taking three wickets, while England’s experienced batter Joe Root played a resilient innings to guide his team to 302/7 at the end of the first day.

Root’s patient century, comprising 106 runs off 226 balls, stabilized England’s innings after Akash Deep’s initial breakthroughs. The 27-year-old Bengal pacer dismissed England’s top three batsmen, creating early trouble for the visitors.

Despite the setback, Root anchored the innings with a classical display of Test cricket, avoiding risky shots and focusing on building a solid partnership. His partnership of 113 runs with Ben Foakes (47) helped England recover from a precarious position.

Akash Deep’s stellar performance marked another successful debut for India in the ongoing series, as he troubled England’s batsmen with his pace and accuracy.

England, trailing 1-2 in the series, relied on Root’s experience to counter India’s bowling attack. His century, the 31st of his Test career, came at a crucial juncture, steering England towards a competitive total.

The absence of Jasprit Bumrah provided some relief for Root, who capitalized on the opportunity to dominate the spinners and manoeuvre the field.

However, Mohammed Siraj’s timely breakthroughs and Akash Deep’s relentless pressure ensured that England didn’t run away with the game. Despite a solid comeback from the visitors, India managed to restrict their progress.

Akash Deep’s memorable debut spell and Root’s resilient century set the stage for an intriguing battle between bat and ball as the Test match unfolds in Ranchi.