Akash Deep says injury break made him a better-prepared bowler

Bengal pacer Akash Deep said his seven-month injury lay-off allowed him to work on his body and return as a more prepared bowler ahead of the Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi. The 29-year-old claimed six wickets for Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup in Srinagar earlier this month.

Akash said fast bowlers rarely get time to prepare their bodies during a professional career and the injury period gave him that opportunity. He reported that his rhythm and pace in the Irani Cup matched levels from four or five years ago. Akash prefers to focus on the present rather than upcoming assignments including India A's tour of New Zealand.

He opts to preserve his bowling hand by shining the ball with his left hand when needed, following a method used by Kapil Dev. Bengal face Delhi at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani on October 11.