4th Test: Akash Deep's Sensational Debut Sends England Stumbling to 112/5 at Lunch on Day 1
England bounced back from a challenging morning session to reach a respectable total of 302 for 7 on the first day of the fourth Test against India, with Joe Root showcasing his batting prowess with an unbeaten century.
Debutant pacer Akash Deep caused early trouble for England, claiming the wickets of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett in the morning session and finishing with figures of 3/70 in an impressive debut performance. However, former England captain Root steadied the innings with a resilient knock of 106 not out off 226 balls, thwarting the efforts of the Indian bowlers.
Root found support in Ollie Robinson, who remained unbeaten on 31 at stumps, as the pair ensured England ended the day on a positive note.
Root and Ben Foakes combined for a crucial 113-run partnership for the sixth wicket, rescuing England from a precarious position at 112/5 earlier in the innings, courtesy of Akash Deep's early breakthroughs.
Despite the early setbacks, England's middle order showed resilience, with Jonny Bairstow contributing a brisk 38 runs off 35 balls before falling to Ravichandran Ashwin. Skipper Ben Stokes, however, managed only 3 runs before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.
With India currently leading the five-Test series 2-1, England's performance on the first day of the fourth Test provides them with a much-needed boost.
Brief Score: England 1st innings: 302 for 7 in 90 overs (Joe Root not out 106, Zak Crawley 42, Jonny Bairstow 38, Ben Foakes 47, Ollie Robinson not out 31; Akash Deep 3/70, Mohammed Siraj 2/60).
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