India's fast bowler Akash Deep has quietly created a slice of history for himself on Day 5 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston.
With four crucial scalps in the top half of England's batting line-up, Akash achieved something that hadn’t been done in nearly five decades.
He dismissed four of England’s top five batters without any catches being involved, a feat previously recorded only by West Indies great Michael Holding back in 1976.
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Akash, who has often found himself warming the bench despite solid performances, finally got his full moment under the sun. Coming into the XI due to Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, the 27-year-old delivered a spell of high-quality seam bowling that rattled the English top order. He picked the 6-wicket haul on day 5 and also equalled a unique record held by West Indies bowling legend Michael Holding.
Which batters did Akash Deep remove and how?
It all started with the dismissal of Ben Duckett, who dragged a delivery onto his stumps. Joe Root followed soon after, undone by a delivery that moved late.
When Day 5 began, Akash didn’t waste time as he got Ollie Pope and Harry Brook within the first few overs. Pope was bowled off the inside edge while Brook fell LBW after being beaten on the back foot.
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None of these dismissals needed help from fielders. The last time a bowler singlehandedly removed four of England’s top five in a Test innings was Holding, whose 14-wicket haul at The Oval in 1976 is still talked about with awe.
Akash’s fiery effort helped India put England on the mat, reducing them to a point where only a miracle could save them. And in the process, the Bengal pacer placed himself in elite company.
What made Michael Holding’s 1976 spell so special?
To truly understand how rare Akash Deep’s feat is, we need to revisit the legendary performance by Michael Holding in the 1976 Oval Test.
On a batting-friendly pitch, Holding tore through England with raw pace and accuracy. He picked up 8 for 92 in the first innings and 6 for 57 in the second, finishing with 14 for 149 in the match, still the best figures by a West Indian in Test cricket.
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Holding bowled with such rhythm and menace that England, despite a strong batting line-up and a flat track, had no answers. His spell has often been cited as one of the greatest by any fast bowler.
Akash’s effort may not be on the same scale yet, but by matching one key stat from that match, the young Indian has carved out a unique place in cricket’s historical books.