India fast bowler Akash Deep slammed his maiden Test half-century on Day 3 of the fifth Test against England at the Oval. Akash came in as a nightwatchman on Day 2 and survived two balls.
However, he came out playing all his flashy strokes on Day 3 and frustrated England, adding crucial runs with Yashasvi Jaiswal to extend the second innings lead.
He went on to score his maiden Test half-century off 70 balls, reaching there in style with a boundary against Gus Atkison and pumped his fist in delight. The entire Indian dressing room came on the balcony to celebrate Akash’s milestone, with some even asking him to take off his helmet.
The nightwatchman also hugged England batter Ben Duckett, whom .The entire turn of events drew a rare smile from India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, who’s usually known for his serious demeanour.
Akash became the first nightwatchman from India to score a half century, since Amit Mishra in 2011, who achieved the feat at the same venue. Akash made his intentions clear on just the third ball of the day as he cleared his front leg to whack Jacob Bethell towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
He further took on Gus Atkinson for another boundary, two overs later as the run began to flow for India. The rub of the green was also on Akash’s side as he survived an lbw appeal on umpire’s call against Josh Tongue and was dropped by Zak Crawley on the very next ball.
Akash made sure that England were left ruing those chances as he punished their bowlers with some gorgeous shots as he was impersonating a top-order batter. He got involved in a massive 107-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal for the third wicket and frustrated a depleted England pace attack, which is without Chris Woakes, who’s been ruled out of the Test due to a shoulder injury.
Akash was finally dismissed for 66 (94), surprised by a bouncer from Gus Atkinson. India went into lunch on 189/3 with Shubman Gill (11*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (85*) at the crease.