
India seamer Akash Deep has faced criticism for his "arm round the shoulder" send-off to Ben Duckett on day two (August 1) of the fifth Test against England at The Oval.
India, resuming on their overnight score of 204-6, were skittled out for 224 in less than half an hour on day two’s first session. England's Gus Atkinson, playing his first match of the series, finished with a five-wicket haul.
England's reply began dramatically. The third over from Akash Deep to Duckett produced an enthralling battle. The left-hander survived five testing deliveries - taking body blows and even lobbing one just short of slips - before audaciously reverse-scooping the final ball for six. This sparked a gripping duel that Duckett dominated until Deep's revenge came in the 13th over.
By then, England had raced to 92-0, with Duckett on 43 off 33. Akash Deep bowled four consecutive dot balls before Duckett's attempted reverse scoop edged through to keeper Dhruv Jurel, ending his explosive 38-ball eventful stay, comprising five fours and two sixes.
After having his revenge, Akash Deep placed his hands on the Duckett’s shoulders while the batter was heading into the dressing room, sharing a brief smile and some words. Duckett appeared unimpressed by the exchange, with KL Rahul eventually stepping in to drag the seamer away.
"Great leadership from KL Rahul! Stepping in as a senior player to pull Akash Deep away from Duckett, keeping things calm and focused on the game. Class act! #INDvsENG #Cricket #tejran pic.twitter.com/jW2sGRsWkv
— CricketGuru (@CricketGur1990) August 1, 2025
Under Article 2.12 of the ICC's playing conditions, any inappropriate physical contact during an international match is prohibited.
The incident didn’t sit well with many, as social media users criticised Akash Deep for “seriously crossing a line” with his antics.
Mad cricket from Duckett. But disgraceful reaction from Akash Deep. Placing hands on another player seriously crossing a line.
— (((Dan Hodges))) (@DPJHodges) August 1, 2025
Deep gets Duckett, reverse-scooping to the keeper, then places his arm round his shoulder and has a word, before KL Rahul pulls Deep away from Duckett. Deep should be nowhere near Duckett after taking his wicket.
— Lawrence Booth (@BoothCricket) August 1, 2025
That wasn’t needed Akashdeep. No need of all this. Glad KL moved him away. There is just no need to do that. @RevSportzGlobal
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) August 1, 2025
England reached lunch at 109-1 after 15 overs. Zak Crawley was equally impressive, racing to a 42-ball fifty. The opener eventually departed for 64 off 57 balls (14 fours), leaving England at 129-2 - just 95 runs behind India's first-innings total.
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