'He was zoning in... ' - Ben Stokes heap praises Akash Deep after his memorable performance in ENG vs IND 2nd Test

Akash Deep's fiery spell of fast bowling was the most significant of several notable performances in India's decisive 336-run victory over England in the second Test at Edgbaston. The 28-year-old pacer, who was playing in just his second Test match, finished with career-best figures of 6 for 99 and a ten-wicket match haul after rattling England's batting with unrelenting accuracy.

Among those impressed was England captain Ben Stokes, who didn’t hold back in acknowledging Deep’s skill after the match. “Akash Deep used his angles well and was very accurate. He was zoning in on that crack. Very skillful,” Stokes said at the post-match press conference.

The right-arm seamer exploited the surface expertly on Day 5, dismantling England’s top order in a decisive morning spell. He dismissed Ollie Pope with a sharp delivery that ricocheted onto the stumps, then trapped Harry Brook lbw with a vicious nip-backer both within the first five overs of the day.

ALSO SEE: WATCH: Akash Deep dedicates his match-winning performance to someone special: Know who she is

Akash Deep Earns Praise from Stokes and Gill After Match-Winning Spell Levels Series at 1-1

India’s clinical performance helped them secure their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston and level the five-match series 1-1. Deep’s contributions came in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the game, making the effort even more impressive. “Akash bowled with so much heart,” said India captain Shubman Gill, who was named Player of the Match for scores of 269 and 161. “He hit the right lengths, moved the ball both ways and was magnificent for us.”

Stokes also reflected on key moments that hurt England’s chances. “We had them at 200-5 in the first innings and just couldn’t finish them off. That was a turning point.” With Bumrah returning for the third Test and Deep now firmly in the mix, India’s pace attack looks formidable heading into Lord’s, where the series will resume on July 10 For now, though, it’s Akash Deep who walks away with the headlines and the respect of one of the game’s top leaders.