Coach Gautam Gambhir couldn’t hide his delight as Akash Deep was swarmed by jubilant teammates after India's colossal 336-run win over England at Edgbaston. If the absence of Jasprit Bumrah was felt, Akash ensured it didn’t show, stepping up brilliantly on a surface where his pace, seam, and control rattled England’s line-up, just as he had done on debut in Ranchi.

After considerable debate over team combinations, India fielded a line-up that leaned heavier on batting compared to Headingley. The strategy paid off handsomely. Ravindra Jadeja, with two gritty fifties, and Washington Sundar, who contributed a patient 42 in the first innings, only made evident the depth of India’s batting. However, Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose inclusion was touted to bolster the lower order, managed just a solitary run in each innings.

Karun Nair’s struggles were even more glaring. His return to the Test side was built up after a majestic 204 against England Lions, but scores of 31 and 26 have raised doubts over his spot for the upcoming Lord’s Test.