Akash Deep has Mohammed Shami-like qualities, should replace Jasprit Bumrah if needed: Irfan Pathan

Jasprit Bumrah was the only Indian bowler who looked threatening in the first Test against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. He made the ball talk at Headingley, especially in the first innings, finishing with figures of 5/83. Ahead of the series, head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that Bumrah will play only three Tests as the team management will closely monitor his workload.

As per reports, Bumrah is likely to be rested in the second Test, which begins on Wednesday, July 2, at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The right-arm pacer didn't bowl at full intensity in the practice session on Monday, while Akash Deep had a long stint with the ball before batting for around 15 minutes.

Irfan Pathan believes that Deep could be the ideal choice to replace Bumrah in the Edgbaston Test. The former India all-rounder likened Deep's skill sets to that of his Bengal teammate Mohammed Shami.

“If Bumrah is not there, then who should come into the side in his place? Akash Deep, from what's been seen in the nets, seems to be getting into his rhythm. I feel that he is the Shami mould type of bowler,” Irfan said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

According to Pathan, Deep's straight seam deliveries could cause problems for the England batters. The cricketer-turned-expert also said that Arshdeep Singh could be used later in the series but Deep should get a crack at the England batters first.

“His straight seam deliveries can trouble the England batters, especially when it comes to late movement. If you are going aggressive, this could be a problem. We will come to Arshdeep, but I think if Bumrah is not playing, then it should be Akash Deep who should come in his place,” he added.

Feel we can go 1-1 or keep the score at 1-0 without Jasprit: Ryan ten Doeschate

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate attended a press conference on Monday where he expressed his confidence in his team, saying that they can do well even if Bumrah has to miss out.

"It is, but we also feel we can go 1-1 or keep the score at 1-0 without Jasprit. Again, that's putting the eggs in the back end of the series. We're going to need him at some stage as well. You've got to decide when you're going to play your strongest suit,” ten Doeschate said.