Credit: BCCI/X
On day three of the fifth Test at The Oval in London, England appeared to struggle to dislodge Yashasvi Jaiswal and nightwatchman from the previous day, Akash Deep. Both of them stitched a partnership of 107 runs, the highest of the match so far. Adding to England’s woes, Akash Deep (66) got the highest score of his international career. The Indian balcony stood to applaud the much-needed knock, providing India an edge in the game. Akash Deep was eventually dismissed just before lunch, getting caught by Gus Atkinson at point to give Jamie Overton his first wicket of the match.
After the wicket fell, Akash Deep and English opener Ben Duckett appeared to hug it out as they recreated the controversial send-off that the former gave the latter on the previous day. On day two of the fifth Test, Deep was smashed full throttle by Duckett, who brought out reverse ramps and scoops from his arsenal. Reportedly, Ben Duckett taunted Akash Deep during his batting innings, saying, “You cannot get me out here”. After taking his wicket, Deep put his arm around Duckett and said something, to which the latter responded before heading back to the pavilion.
Watch the video here:
His gesture didn’t go down well with some experts and former players, as they slammed Akash Deep for his act. England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick criticised Akash Deep and said, “There is no need to walk him off in that fashion. It was really strange.”
Can you imagine doing that to Viv Richards?: Former England captain Michael Atherton
In a discussion on the send-off after the conclusion of day two with Sky Sports, former India head coach Ravi Shastri and former England captain Mike Atherton felt the ICC match referee would be forced to take action against Akash Deep. Atherton said that while he is all for banter and gestures among players, they should refrain from making any form of physical contact. "Can you imagine doing that to Viv Richards? I mean to anyone. I would've hated that if a bowler put his arm around me, having just dismissed me. Stay out of the way," Atherton remarked.
"If Athers had put his arm around me, I would've said 'get out of the way,' Athers!," replied Ravi Shastri with a laugh. "There can be no physical contact. Another player (apart from Duckett), with a feisty temperament, would have done something different, which he would have regretted. It is watched by millions. The match referee will be forced to take action because of the rule book," Shastri added.
