Sanjay Manjrekar backs Akash Deep as fourth seamer if Brisbane pitch is conducive to fast bowlers

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar feels the team management should think of getting Akash Deep as the fourth seamer if the Brisbane pitch is conducive to fast bowlers. With Harshit Rana going wicketless in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide and also bagging a pair with the bat, the youngster’s place in the team has come under the scrutiny.

However, Manjrekar doesn’t want Akash Deep to replace Harshit Rana but feels it might happen. The cricketer-turned-commentator believes Deep can come into the playing XI if the pitch is a fast bowler’s friend.

Deep has impressed in his young Test career, taking 10 wickets in five Test matches while playing at home.

“Not at the expense of Harshit Rana. But, I think that might happen. Just trying to read the team management’s mind, but if it’s an all out pace pitch, he (Akash Deep) can be the fourth seamer…So India have to think about that carefully,” Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo.

“This bowling lineup with Bumrah, Siraj, Harshit Rana or Akash Deep is starting to look a little inadequate, if the pitch is going to be as flat as it was in Adelaide in Brisbane. Otherwise, it should be enough,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rana had picked four wickets in the opening Test match against Australia at Perth and made an impressive debut.

On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah has been the pick of the Indian fast bowlers as he has scalped 12 wickets in the two Test matches of the series against Australia at an outstanding average of 11.25.

The third Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Gabba, Brisbane from December 14.