“I don’t know if I will play” - Akash Deep unsure of his spot in the playing XI in Lord’s Test

Indian seamer Aakash Deep, who scalped a four-wicket haul in the first innings of the ongoing Birmingham Test against England, has opened up on his chances of playing the Lord’s Test once Jasprit Bumrah comes back to the XI.

Notably, Akash has been included in the playing XI to replace the pace spearhead Bumrah, who has been managing his workload. However, with his exceptional performance in the Birmingham Test, he is most likely to be retained in the pace attack.

While speaking in the post-day press conference, Akash stated that he is unsure of his spot in the playing XI for the Lord’s Test. He added that it’s up to the team management to decide his position in the final XI.

“We have only two days for this Test match, and this match is very important for us to win. So, I am not thinking about the third match at all. I believe that I have to put my energy in these two days. After that, I will consider it. The team will decide whether I will play or not. No, not at all. I don't know if I'll play. The team makes this decision. We get to know one day before the game," Akash said in the post-day press conference.

"I don't think like that. I feel that when the team needs me, I have to prepare for that. I have to be ready. I don't think like that. I don't get continuity. I prepare for the time I get. And whenever I get a chance, I try to play with that mindset,” he added.

With Prasidh Krishna conceding 72 runs in 13 overs without scalping a wicket in the first innings, he might be sidelined to bring in Bumrah to the XI for the Lord’s Test, which is scheduled to take place from Thursday, July 10.

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