ENG vs IND 2025: 'Not easy for a pacer playing his first game here' - Pujara lauds Akash Deep's courageous show on Day 2 in Edgbaston Test

Akash Deep must have been under a bit of pressure heading into the second Test as he was replacing the legendary Jasprit Bumrah. However, the Bengal seamer performed exceptionally well in his first stint with the ball, picking up two wickets in the final session at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Cheteshwar Pujara was particularly impressed by how Deep bounced back after conceding 12 runs in the first over of England's innings. In his second over, the 28-year-old picked up the wickets of the in-form Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope off consecutive deliveries.

"The way he started was brilliant to see. The first over went for 12 runs, but the way he came back—bowling the same length again and again—showed real courage. As a fast bowler, you need to trust your ability. He was under pressure early on, but came back strong and took two wickets," Pujara told the broadcasters.

The former India batter said that it isn't easy for a bowler to do well in his first Test match in England, especially one who hasn't played County cricket in the European nation. Pujara commended Deep for showing courage and setting the tone for India upfront with the new ball.

"That’s impressive, especially considering it’s his first Test match in England. He hasn’t played any County cricket either, so to perform like that takes guts. It's not easy for a fast bowler playing his first game here, but he really set the tone for India—first with the score they put on the board, and then with the bowlers making early inroads,” Pujara added.

Shubman analyses his epic 269-run knock in Edgbaston Test

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Shubman analyses his epic 269-run knock in Edgbaston Test

India posted a mammoth 587-run total in the first innings, with Shubman Gill top-scoring with a record-shattering 269-run knock off 387 balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Ravindra Jadeja (89) also played important knocks to help India get into a position of strength.

After Deep took two wickets upfront, Mohammed Siraj was rewarded for his consistency, as he sent Zak Crawley packing. At Stumps on Day 2, England finished on 77/3, trailing India's first-innings total by 510 runs.