Punched Akash Deep
Day 2 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval saw tempers flare and competitive fire burn bright as both teams clashed in an intense session of cricket. What began as a fairly even battle quickly turned into a heated exchange when India’s young fast bowlers decided to take the fight to England’s top order.
After being bundled out for a modest 224 in the early hours of the second day, India found themselves under pressure. England’s opening pair, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, came out swinging and took full advantage of a Jasprit Bumrah-less Indian bowling attack.
Their aggressive approach saw them race past the 90-run mark before lunch, setting the tone for what looked like a dominant English reply.
But the most talked-about moments of the day came not just from runs or wickets—but from verbal battles and psychological warfare on the field.
Sledging and Send-Offs Spark Drama
It all began when Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna got into an intense exchange with veteran English batter Joe Root. Krishna, trying to assert himself and energize the Indian bowling unit, was seen aggressively sledging Root after a few dot balls, trying to rattle the usually composed batter. While Root didn’t respond verbally, the moment set the tone for what was to come next.
A few overs later, young Indian pacer Akash Deep made headlines with his response to Ben Duckett’s earlier jibe. During the morning session, Duckett had confidently told Akash Deep, “You cannot get me out in here,” after dispatching him for boundaries—including a cheeky reverse ramp shot that thrilled the English crowd.
Akash Deep, however, let the ball do the talking. Maintaining his composure, Akash Deep adjusted his length and also Akash Deep adjusted his line, gradually building pressure on Duckett.
The breakthrough eventually came when Duckett edged one behind to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, departing for a brisk 43 off 38 deliveries. As Duckett walked back, Akash Deep gave him a subtle yet sharp send-off, which many interpreted as payback for the earlier provocation.
The dismissal broke England’s 92-run opening partnership and brought India back into the contest momentarily. However, the drama around Duckett’s dismissal continued off the field.
(top-level Test cricket. Youngsters like Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna)
Ricky Ponting’s Take: ‘That Would’ve Been a Right Hook’
The incident was replayed and dissected during the lunch break on Sky Sports, where former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was asked for his views by host Ian Ward.
“I can think of a few batsmen down the years that would take umbrage at this,” Ward remarked, before cheekily adding, “I’m looking very much in your direction. That would have been a Ponting right hook, wouldn’t it?”
While Ponting acknowledged that the send-off was provocative, he was quick to praise Duckett for the calm and restraint he showed. “When I saw it, I just thought they must have been mates or played against each other somewhere or together,” he said. “You don’t see that every day—maybe in a local park game, but not in a fiercely contested Test series like this.”
Ponting added that he admired Duckett’s maturity for not reacting emotionally, especially in a high-pressure setting. “I love the way that Ben Duckett plays his cricket. I think I like him even more now, knowing he didn’t react to that kind of send-off.”
Test Cricket’s Fiery Spirit Alive and Well
The confrontation highlighted the intensity of the India-England series and reminded fans of the psychological battles that often accompany top-level Test cricket. Youngsters like Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna, in only their early stages of international careers, were clearly keen to make their presence felt—not just with the ball, but with their body language and aggression.
While some purists may frown upon sledging or animated send-offs, such moments have long been part of cricket’s competitive edge. As long as players don’t cross the line into disrespect or abuse, many—including Ponting—see it as part of the game’s emotional richness.
As the Test match continues, all eyes will remain on how India’s bowlers respond to England’s aggressive batting, and whether the hosts can capitalize on their strong start. One thing is certain: this final Test is shaping up to be a fiery finish to a hard-fought series.
