Akash Deep's long journey to dream debut: 'Like bumpy road in my village'

IN THE MOST glorious hour of his career, pacer Akash Deep decided to roll back the years.

- SANDIP G

The day that had started with him claiming three England wickets in his first six overs in Tests would end with him talking about the days when his cricket career was going nowhere.

Akash would recall 2015, when his father suffered paralysis and died due to medical negligence. It was the year he lost his elder brother as well.

His voice choking, Akash said: "My father wanted me to do something in life but I couldn't do anything while he was alive." Then resisting a tear, he dedicated his 3/70 effort on Day 1 to his father.

England, at stumps, were 302/7.

For Akash, it was an eventful morning. An hour before start, coach Rahul Dravid presented him with the Test cap.A bright smile spread over his face, before the 27-year-old went over to the boundary ropes where his mother and relatives were waiting. He hugged them and strolled back to the pavilion at the other end of the stadium.