Follow UsFormer India batter Ajay Jadeja has criticised Akash Deep’s animated celebration after dismissing England opener Ben Duckett, calling it unnecessary given the match situation.
After India were bowled out for 224, England openers Duckett and Zak Crawley launched a blistering counterattack, adding 92 runs in just 12.5 overs. Duckett, in particular, went after Akash Deep, smashing four boundaries and a six off him.
The left-hander eventually fell for 43 off 38 balls, caught behind while attempting a reverse scoop off Akash Deep. The Indian pacer celebrated right in front of Duckett with aggressive fist pumps, then walked over to him, put an arm around his shoulder, and exchanged a few words.
Ajay Jadeja, speaking on Sony Sports Network’s Hindi broadcast (as reported by Hindustan Times), wasn’t impressed. “When it was happening, I couldn’t understand what he could be sledging about at this point,” said Jadeja.
“The situation was that on a seaming wicket, in 10 overs it was 94 runs, you have gone for 40 in five overs. Even the wicket you’ve taken, you haven’t taken it, he’s dismissed himself.
“I’ve gotten the wicket, that’s why I will celebrate. How I got it, why I got it, when I got it, if I should have gotten it, not gotten it, what I did, that has no thought.”
Meanwhile, former Indian seamer Ashish Nehra took a more lenient view, saying Akash Deep shouldn’t be penalised for the gesture.
“A fine for showing love? Sitting here, we don’t know if there was some consistent back-and-forth with them across the series that caused Akash Deep to do this," Nehra said.
“This is not even really a send-off. In fact the captain should say to the bowler all these things Ajay has mentioned. He should be the one getting angry with the game situation.”
India bounced back after England’s fiery start. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna picked up four wickets each to bowl the visitors out for 247, restricting their lead to just 23 runs and putting India back in the game.