Akash Deep’s send-off to Ben Duckett after getting him out on day two of the ongoing Oval Test drew criticism from commentators Dinesh Karthik and Michael Atherton.
After bowling India out for 224, England’s openers started aggressively. All the Indian pacers were taken to the cleaners. But Akash Deep had the last laugh over Duckett, dismissing him for 43 (38) when he attempted a reverse scoop and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.
Akash Deep first celebrated the wicket with a fist pump and then put his hands around Duckett’s shoulders, appearing to say something. Although it didn’t look aggressive, the match referee might still fine him for the gesture.
However, regarding that whole matter, the two commentators present in the commentary box at that time — Karthik and Atherton — did not like the incident at all.
“He’s given Duckett a bit of a send-off, which is probably unnecessary, but it’s the wicket that India desperately wanted. How many times did a bowler put his arm around after dismissing you, DK?” asked Atherton.
Karthik answered: “I’m not sure if this is the right way to send off a batter, especially after you’ve got him out. Not many batsmen would behave the way Ben Duckett did, or rather did. It looked like they knew each other.”
However, Akash Deep managed only that wicket as England eventually got bundled out for 247, thanks to fiery spells from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Both of them ended up with a four-wicket haul each.
For the latest sports news follow- Revsportz