Follow UsIndian pacer Akash Deep was involved in a fiery on-field moment with England opener Ben Duckett during the fifth and final Test of the five-match series at The Oval.
After India were bowled out for 224 in their first innings, Duckett and Zak Crawley launched a blistering counterattack, racing to 92 in just 12.5 overs. Duckett, in particular, targeted Akash Deep, hammering four boundaries and a six off his bowling.
The left-hander’s aggressive innings ended on 43 off 38 balls when he was caught behind attempting a reverse scoop off the same bowler. Akash Deep celebrated with animated fist pumps right in front of Duckett before walking over, putting an arm around him, and exchanging a few words.
"On a cricket field, you need to keep a cool head. I told Duckett, 'You won't be the only one hitting; I'll hit too. Sometimes you miss, and I hit'," Akash Deep told The Times of India.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a good series, taking 13 wickets in the three Tests he played, including a match-winning 10-wicket haul in India’s record 336-run victory at Edgbaston. He also played an important knock of 66 in the final Test.
“It was quite a good experience. Every pace bowler wants to play in England. Although the wickets were not as we had expected, we still put our heart and soul into every match to end the hard-fought series on even terms. The series was a great learning for me.
"Taking ten wickets individually in a match is quite significant but scoring a half century for the team was more important to me. While I was working on my half-century, the only thing on my mind was not to get out and to keep playing.”
Akash Deep also heaped praise on Mohammed Siraj, who featured in all five Tests and finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series.
"As a fast bowler, he is fit, and the way he puts in effort behind the ball sets him apart. Playing five consecutive matches is commendable. From this, one learns that being mentally fit is more important than being physically fit," he said.