India's right-arm seamer Akash Deep, who came in as nightwatchman for India in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, shocked everyone by hitting his first fifty at number four and helping India extend their lead. His gritty and entertaining knock received overwhelming appreciation on social media, as netizens praised his performance in a must-win Test.
With just a few balls left on Day 2 of the fifth Test at The Oval, India took a risk by sending in Akash Deep as a nightwatchman to protect a wicket ahead of Shubman Gill. He began his innings with a boundary off Atkinson’s delivery and safely defended the final ball before stumps.
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Akash Deep Makes History with Gritty Fifty as Nightwatchman
Resuming on Day 3, the sun was out and the surface had hardened early, allowing the runs to start flowing for India. Akash Deep made the most of it, despite being targeted by full deliveries. He handled the pressure well, dodging a few and converting others into boundaries. He capitalized on a dropped catch by Crawley early in the day, using the opportunity to go well beyond expectations.
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While Akash Deep was in full flow, Jaiswal played the supporting role, rotating strike and watching the nightwatchman shine. Akash Deep reached his fifty with a boundary and celebrated the milestone by removing his helmet to acknowledge the crowd.
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Statistically, Akash Deep became the first Indian nightwatchman to score 50 or more since Amit Mishra’s 84 against the same opponent at the same venue back in 2011. He looked in full control during his innings, but eventually fell after stitching a 100-run partnership with Jaiswal for the fourth wicket.
Gus Atkinson ended his stay at the crease, but not before he walked off to a loud cheer from the crowd, having scored 66 off 94 balls with 12 boundaries, taking India to 181/3 before lunch on Day 3.
Akash can Bat Deep - Social Media Reacts
His entertaining knock drew even more praise from netizens, who were both amazed and surprised by his performance. Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer reacted in his trademark meme style, comparing Akash Deep to Jason Gillespie, the Australian who famously scored 200 as a nightwatchman in 2004.
Another viral moment came when Gautam Gambhir was spotted smiling in the stands, a rare sight which also made its way across social media.
With the majority of fans celebrating Akash Deep’s contribution, India now leads by 172* runs with six wickets in hand. With sunny conditions expected to continue through Day 3, India will look to build a big total and put England under pressure. Stay tuned for more updates from the England vs India 5th Test.
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