ENG vs IND 2025: ‘He lost his biggest weapon’ – Sanjay Manjrekar dissects Akash Deep’s bowling on Day 1 of Lord’s Test

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar felt that Akash Deep tried too hard to take a wicket which was one of the main reasons why he was ineffective on the opening day of the third Test between England and India. The cricketer-turned-commentator’s remarks came after Deep was not able to secure any wicket in the 17 overs bowled on Day 1.

Manjrekar noted that Deep lacked the control he displayed at Edgbaston where he claimed four and six wickets in the first and second innings, respectively.   

“I think Akash Deep was just was too eager, a common mistake that bowlers make. He got 10 wickets in the last match, then bowling first, where he thought there would be some movement and there was an attempt to get a wicket every ball. What he then lost in the process was control and simplicity, which was his biggest weapon, and the reason for his success in the last Test, stated Manjrekar, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The way these two teams are playing, it’s like a typical tennis match: Manjrekar

Manjrekar felt the hosts would end up piling on a big first innings total which India would be expected to match going into the days to come.

“Jamie Smith coming into bat, Chris Woakes will bat better on this pitch, so you cannot rule out a big score, whether Joe Root is in or out. India will be expected to get another big score with the kind of confidence that they have. The way these two teams are playing, it’s like a typical tennis match,” added Manjrekar.

India could only scalp four wickets on the first day’s play. Joe Root (99* off 191) and Ben Stokes (39* off 102) were the batters who remained unbeaten at Stumps. Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/46 in 14 overs) picked up a couple of wickets, both of them coming in his first over of the game.