 "Akash Deep put his arm around Ben Duckett's shoulders while giving the England opener a send-off on Day 2 of the fifth Test at The Oval. Reuters")
India experienced little success in the morning session on Day 2 of the fifth Test against England at The Oval . Not only did the visitors lose four wickets for just 20 runs to get bowled out for 224 after being asked to bat by their opponents, they also found themselves facing the prospect of conceding a massive first innings lead for the second consecutive match, with England racing to 109/1 in just 16 overs at lunch.
Their only success with the ball came in the form of Akash Deep getting Ben Duckett caught-behind for 43, that too when the southpaw was on an attacking spree and was caught-behind while attempting to reverse-scoop the pacer towards third man.
Akash, returning to the Indian XI for the series finale at The Oval after missing the Old Trafford Test due to fitness issues, celebrated the dismissal rather cheekily by walking up to the 30-year-old batter for a little chat and even putting his right arm around his shoulder.
Duckett did not appear too pleased by the gesture but did not respond physically, either by shoving Akash’s arm off his shoulder or in some other way. Akash, was ultimately pulled away from Duckett by one of his teammates, presumably senior wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul to prevent the matter from escalating any further.
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More ShortsAkash criticised on social media for ‘unnecessary’ celebration
Akash’s gesture, however, wasn’t appreciated on social media, especially since he had been leaking runs at more than six-an-over at the time of breaking the opening partnership. Here are select reactions: