Former cricketers Michael Atherton and Dinesh Karthik have shared their opinions on Akash Deep’s controversial gesture toward England’s Ben Duckett once again on Day 3 of the ongoing fifth Test at The Oval.
On Day 2, after dismissing the England batter for 43 (38), Akash Deep put his arm around Duckett’s shoulder and said a few words. While the moment didn’t appear aggressive, both former cricketers-turned-commentators, Atherton and Karthik, found the gesture unnecessary and expressed their views.
However, on Day 3, during the first session when Akash Deep was batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, he was once again seen putting his arm around Duckett’s shoulder. This time, though, the exchange looked friendly, with both players smiling.
Despite the lighter mood, on-air commentators Atherton and Karthik revisited the incident and discussed it in detail.
“Well, they seem to get on well. And of course, the context is what happened yesterday, which, as I said before on air, I don’t think bowlers should be doing this when a batter has just been dismissed and you stay out of the batter’s way because, well, not all batters, and I’ll be one, would react so subjectively when that happens. Is that fair enough, DK?” said Atherton on air.
Atherton further emphasised that Akash should be cautioned about such behavior, pointing out that while Duckett did not react negatively, others might not be as composed.
“And I think on reflection, or at least somebody should say to him, don’t do that again, because a batter may well not react as Duckett did, and you don’t want to see those things escalate,” he added.
While agreeing with Atherton, Karthik felt Akash’s action may have been casual, but still advised against such gestures in the future.
“I think so too. The worst thing to happen for a batter is you get out when you’re batting, and then the bowler who’s gotten you out just puts an arm around your shoulder, just doesn’t feel right, doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t think Akash did it with any ill intentions, I just think it was one that he thought was probably casual,” Karthik said.
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