Ravi Shastri backs Akash Deep to be in the mix for pink-ball Test against Australia

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri wants Indian selectors and management to keep an eye on Akash Deep for the pink-ball Test match against Australia. As the pink-ball has extra lacquer, Shastri feels Deep could come into the picture as he can get the ball to swing and seam and he can be lethal with the pink-ball.

Meanwhile, Harshit Rana made an impressive start to his Test career as he scalped four wickets on his debut and thus it will be difficult for the management to exclude him in the second Test.

“Only thing that you must remember, this is a pink-ball Test. I know Harshit Rana did very well in that Test match, but the pink ball with extra lacquer, it’s a little harder, might seam around a bit and swing. [That’s] where I think Akash Deep should be in the mix,” the former India all-rounder Shastri said on ICC Review.

Shastri wants India to pick their final XI on the basis of conditions in Adelaide.

“Now when you reach the ground, you see the conditions, [whether] you opt for extra bounce and pace, that’s your choice. But I’d definitely keep him in that 12 and keep an eye on him,” Shastri went on to add.

Akash Deep has scalped 10 wickets in five Test matches at an average of 25.8 and he has impressed with the ball but he is yet to play in overseas Test.

On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah was at his absolute best as he bagged match figures of 8-72 and thus clinched the Player of the Match award in the series opener.

The second Test match between Australia and India, which will be a pink-ball game, will be played at Adelaide Oval from December 6 onwards.