'Mohammed Siraj is the energyhouse of the team': Akash Deep

For India’s pace attack, the five-Test Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England was as much a battle of stamina as it was of skill. Mohammed Siraj, who featured in all five matches, became the face of that resilience, and his efforts drew glowing praise from teammate Akash Deep. “Siraj bhai is the energyhouse of the team. Everyone will be tired but not him,” Akash told IANS. “On the last day at The Oval, he took responsibility as the leader of the pace attack and delivered. Credit to Siraj bhai and Prasidh for bowling their hearts out.” With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for two games in the series, Siraj carried the load, sending down long spells across the 25 days of cricket. His fitness had been carefully managed, with the selectors opting to rest him from the Champions Trophy earlier this year to prepare for the marathon tour. Though he missed out on the Player of the Series award, within the Indian camp his presence was viewed as vital to the 2-2 result, which was a rare result in England. Akash Deep, meanwhile, carved out his own special memory at The Oval. Walking in as a nightwatchman late on Day 2, he battled through tricky conditions the next morning to score a fighting 66 off 94 deliveries. His 107-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal proved crucial in stretching India’s lead beyond 150. “This innings will be very close to my heart, with the situation that we were in,” Akash said. “Yashasvi helped me a lot with the batting — he made sure I played fewer balls and guided me well, so credit to him too.” The Bengal pacer also made a mark with the ball, finishing the series with 13 wickets in three Tests, including a 10-wicket haul in Birmingham that kept India alive in the contest. Currently sidelined with a minor injury, Akash is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. “I have been advised rest but I have started my practice and training. I want to be properly fit and when I am ready, I will join the team,” he said. The 28-year-old added that his focus remains on sharpening endurance. “I am working on my fitness and stamina, trying to bowl as many overs as I can. That is the area I need to improve, so bowling long spells with pace is my key for now.”