A week after the heated send-off that made headlines at The Oval, Indian fast bowler Akash Deep has offered his take on the incident involving England opener Ben Duckett during the fifth Test. The moment unfolded on the fourth day when Akash Deep dismissed Ben Duckett, placed an arm around him as he made his way back to the pavilion and appeared to share a few words. Ben Duckett, however, kept his composure and chose not to respond.
The clash had been brewing earlier in the session, with verbal exchanges punctuating the contest. Akash Deep revealed that Ben Duckett had challenged him, suggesting he would not be able to take his wicket, a remark that struck a competitive chord, particularly given the bowler’s strong track record against left-handers. He noted that he had dismissed Ben Duckett on previous occasions and always felt confident when bowling to southpaws.
According to the pacer, Ben Duckett had been employing a series of unconventional shots and moving around the crease in an effort to disrupt his rhythm. With England racing ahead in the run chase and India defending a modest total, the pressure to break the partnership was intense. Akash Deep admitted that such movement made it harder to maintain a consistent line and length, as it left the bowler uncertain about the batter’s next move.
When the breakthrough finally came, the dismissal was more than just a relief, it was a personal victory in their mini-battle. As Ben Duckett departed, Akash Deep reminded him that fortunes can shift quickly in cricket, telling him in lighthearted fashion that while it might have been his day earlier, this particular moment belonged to the bowler. He stressed that the exchange was simply a continuation of their on-field banter and carried no malice, describing it as part of the spirited nature of Test cricket.
Indian players played really well in that series, what do you say?
