London, Aug 1 (UNI) A fiery moment of passion from Akash Deep lit up The Oval today as the Indian pacer dismissed England opener Ben Duckett with a sharp delivery, and followed it with an animated celebration that turned heads.
The incident occurred in the 13th over of England’s innings on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test. After Duckett attempted an audacious reverse scoop and edged it to keeper Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep roared in celebration, marched towards the departing batsman, and fist-pumped right in front of him before wrapping an arm around his shoulder for a few departing words. KL Rahul was seen stepping in to gently pull the bowler away, keeping things from escalating.
While the celebration seemed more charged than hostile, it’s likely to come under the match officials’ radar for its intensity.
Duckett’s dismissal for 43 off 38 balls ended a 92-run opening partnership with Zak Crawley and marked India’s first breakthrough in what had been a free-flowing English start. The opener’s knock included five boundaries and two sixes as England raced to 93/1 in just 13.1 overs.
Zak Crawley was batting unbeaten on 47 off 40 balls, having hit 11 fours at a strike rate of 117.50. At the crease with him was Ollie Pope on 1, looking to settle into familiar territory — his home ground, where he boasts an extraordinary first-class average of 74.60.
Prasidh Krishna, who shared the new ball with Akash Deep, had figures of 3.1-0-23-0, while Akash returned 6-0-38-1. Despite the high run rate of 7.06, India will take confidence from the fact that they’ve finally managed to separate the English openers.
The surface at The Oval appears full of runs, but India will hope that Akash Deep’s fiery moment of breakthrough sets the tone for a more disciplined bowling performance in the sessions ahead.
With England’s aggressive batting approach on display and the hosts already nearing the 100-run mark, the pressure is on the Indian bowlers to claw back momentum in what is shaping up to be a high-octane Test match finale.
