India vs England - players.bio

India vs England, 4th Test: Akash Deep Touches Mother's Feet Before Debut, Rattles Top-Order

It was an emotional day for Bengal pacer Akash Deep and his family as the player made his India Test debut during the ongoing 4th Test against England in Ranchi. Hailing from Sasaram, Bihar, Akash Deep received his maiden Test cap from India head coach Rahul Dravid, who summed his journey so far with a fiery speech ahead of toss on Day 1. To witness his lifelong moment getting fulfiled, Akash Deep's family, including his mother was present at the JSCA International Stadium on Friday.

"I Am Not Sure": India Coach Provides Major Injury Update On KL Rahul

Indian cricket team batting coach Vikram Rathour said that batter KL Rahul is not fit at the moment but he was unsure about his exact condition and added that the medical team will be able to advise on his availability in the future. Rahul played the first Test in the five-match series but was ruled out of the next two games due to his quadriceps injury. There were reports that he may make a return for the fourth match in Ranchi starting Friday but the BCCI said that he was not fit. Rathour was asked about his situation in the pre-match press conference on Thursday and the India coach had a clear answer.

"India Misses Mahi Bhai": Shubman Gill's Big Tribute To 'Thala' In Ranchi

The Indian cricket team will take on England in the fourth Test in the five-match series in Ranchi starting Friday and any match at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association International Stadium comes with a special focus on local boy MS Dhoni. The former India skipper has visited the team's dressing room many times after his retirement whenever they play at the venue and young batter Shubman Gill was asked about Dhoni ahead of the match. Gill paid a massive tribute to the veteran star as he said that whether in Ranchi or anywhere else, the team always misses Mahi bhai (Dhoni's nickname).

England Star Flies Home Before Start Of 4th Test, Will Not Return To India

England star Rehan Ahmed flew back home before the start of the 4th Test against India in Ranchi, prompting Ben Stokes to include Shoaib Bashir in the team for the penultimate match of the series. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement, explaining Rehan's decision to fly back home, suggesting the spinner had a personal emergency to deal with. The board did not announce a replacement for the spinner, who won't be returning to India for the 5th Test either.

Watch: Akash Deep's Unplayable 'No-Ball' Leaves England Star Zak Crawley Stunned

Debutant pacer Akash Deep, into his first spell in Test cricket, made a big impression as he sent England batter's stumps cartwheeling on day 1 of the 4th Test in Ranchi on Friday. Akash's brilliant delivery left Crawley bamboozled but the India bowler overstepped before shattering the stumps, and hence, the batter remained not-out. Akash was ecstatic as he saw Crawley's stumps flying but it turned out he had bowled a no-ball. Hence, the celebrations were cut short.

Who Is Akash Deep? Meet India Pacer Who Left Cricket For 3 Years To Make Ends Meet

The 4th Test between India and England turned out to be life-changing for pacer Akash Deep who made his much-awaited debut in Ranchi. With his mother present to watch him don the India jersey for the first time, Akash Deep was handed the debut Test cap by none other than the head coach Rahul Dravid. It was his stint for India A that earned Akash Deep a call-up to the senior national team. But, everything hasn't been as easy for the pacer who had to leave cricket a few years ago to make ends meet.

IND vs ENG Ranchi Test: Confident India Face Selection Dilemma; England Aim For Redemption In Potential Series-Decider

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's absence is a concern but an assertive and adaptive India will have the edge against England's seemingly depth-less 'Bazball' approach when the two sides clash in the potentially series-deciding fourth Test beginning in Ranchi on Friday. From the dry heat of Rajkot to the much cooler confines of Ranchi, the temperature shift would be the only soothing factor for the Englishmen who have let it slip against the resilient hosts and are trailing 1-2. Eyeing a 17th series win on the trot at home, India have been near invincible since the shock defeat to Alastair Cook's England in 2012. After that, India have won a staggering 38 out of 47 Tests, and have lost just thrice (two each versus Australia and England) when challenges on home turf.

India vs England - "Maybe, Maybe Not": Ben Stokes On Availability As Bowler In Ranchi Test

Bowling full tilt at nets raised hopes of Ben Stokes rolling his arms over in the fourth Test against India but the England captain on Thursday preferred to keep the suspense over his availability as a bowler in Ranchi. Due to issues with his knee, Stokes has been playing only as a batter since the second Ashes Test last June. However, he was seen bowling extensively at the nets on the eve of the fourth Test. Asked about the possibility of him bowling in the match, Stokes said, "Nah, I think it's maybe, maybe not." Stokes said going in with two pacers is the best option for England, forcing them to include the tall Ollie Robinson in the playing XI, even though the Ranchi track is likely to assist the spinners.

Contacts

India vs England Sport News

India vs England, 4th Test: Akash Deep Touches Mother's Feet Before Debut, Rattles Top-Order

"I Am Not Sure": India Coach Provides Major Injury Update On KL Rahul

"India Misses Mahi Bhai": Shubman Gill's Big Tribute To 'Thala' In Ranchi

England Star Flies Home Before Start Of 4th Test, Will Not Return To India

Watch: Akash Deep's Unplayable 'No-Ball' Leaves England Star Zak Crawley Stunned

Who Is Akash Deep? Meet India Pacer Who Left Cricket For 3 Years To Make Ends Meet

IND vs ENG Ranchi Test: Confident India Face Selection Dilemma; England Aim For Redemption In Potential Series-Decider

India vs England - "Maybe, Maybe Not": Ben Stokes On Availability As Bowler In Ranchi Test