Akash Deep to be banned? Michael Atherton, Ravi Shastri blast pacer for send-off to Ben Duckett in Oval Test

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Fifth Test Between India and England Evenly Poised After Two Days

Former England cricketer Michael Atherton criticized Indian pacer Akash Deep for his send-off to Ben Duckett on Day 2 (Friday, August 1) of the fifth and final Test at The Oval. Atherton was not impressed with Akash's gesture of placing an arm around the England opening batter after dismissing him.

England got off to a fiery start after dismissing India for 224, with their openers attacking the bowlers from the start. Indian pacers struggled early on, but Akash Deep managed to break the partnership by removing Ben Duckett for 43, who fell while trying an audacious reverse scoop.

After the breakthrough, Akash Deep celebrated and then walked up to Duckett, placing an arm around his shoulder and saying something. While the exchange didn't seem aggressive, the gesture could still prompt action from the match referee due to the game's non-contact nature.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Michael Atherton was critical of Akash Deep's gesture towards Ben Duckett after dismissing him. Atherton said he would have personally disliked such an approach from a bowler. He added that physical interactions should be addressed by match officials.

"I would have hated that if a bowler put his arm around me after just dismissing me. Stay out of the way," Atheton said.

"It's a serious point, actually. As I said, it seemed good-natured, and I like to give cricketers maximum leeway on the field because it is an emotional, passionate game. I like to see them getting stuck in."

"I don't like match referees getting involved. But it's a non-contact sport, and something like that will lead to problems. So I think the match referee has to stamp that out."

In the same video, Ravi Shastri also raised concerns over physical gestures on the cricket field, especially during high-pressure moments. He pointed out that while Ben Duckett may not have reacted, another player could have escalated the situation.

"No, no physical contact, because of what it can lead to. I mean, Duckett at that moment might have been thinking something else," Shastri said.

"Another player, you know, with a feisty temperament wouldn't have liked it and could've done something they'd later regret, especially with millions watching around the world and the match referee observing. In such cases, the match referee would be forced to take action because of the rules and the rulebook," he added.

On Day 2, the Indian team collapsed early in the morning session. They added just 20 more runs before being bowled out for 224. Karun Nair top-scored with 57, while Sai Sudharsan chipped in with 38 on Day 1. Gus Atkinson was the pick of the bowlers for England, finishing with a five-wicket haul.

In response, England raced to 92 without loss, but the momentum soon shifted towards India. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna took four wickets each to bundle England out for 247. The hosts managed only a 23-run lead.

India began their second innings with more intent. KL Rahul and Sudharsan perished early, but Yashasvi Jaiswal counterattacked with an unbeaten 51 off 49 balls. India closed the day at 75/2, holding a 52-run lead heading into Day 3. Akash Deep remained unbeaten alongside Jaiswal at stumps.