Ricky Ponting issues open threat to Akash Deep of punching in the face

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting slammed Team India pacer Akash Deep for his send-off to England opener Ben Duckett during the fifth Test match at The Oval on Friday, August 1. Ponting said that he would have shown physical aggression if such a gesture had been directed at him during his playing days.

Players engaged in verbal exchanges in the five-match Test series between India and England. England hold a 2-1 lead, with the fifth Test underway at The Oval. India scored 75 runs for the loss of two wickets in 18 overs at the end of the second day, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (51) and Akash Deep (4) at the crease.

Akash Deep Gives Send-Off to Ben Duckett After Dismissing Him in Oval Test

Ben Duckett scooped Akash Deep for a couple of boundaries in England's first innings. However, Akash dismissed Duckett as the batter gloved another scoop attempt to Dhruv Jurel. The left-handed batter had to depart for the dressing room for 43 off 38 balls.

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Following the dismissal during the 13th over, Akash put his arm around Duckett and was seen saying something. While Duckett didn’t lose his cool, his frustration was evident. KL Rahul had stepped in to separate the two.

The incident drew criticism from cricketing figures, including Ricky Ponting, Michael Atherton, and Dinesh Karthik. Ponting discussed Akash’s send-off during the lunch break broadcast.

A much needed breakthrough for India 🔥

And a cheeky send-off for Ben Duckett 😜#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/9YaTjcEYOn

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 1, 2025

Ricky Ponting Says He Might've Reacted Physically to Akash Deep's Send-Off

Ricky Ponting stated that he would have responded with a punch if Akash Deep had given him a similar send-off during his playing days. The remark came during Sky Sports’ lunch show on Day 2, when presenter Ian Ward brought up the incident involving Akash and Ben Duckett.

"I can think of a few batsmen down the years that would take umbrage at this, and I'm looking very much in your direction. That would have been a Ponting right hook, wouldn't it?" asked Ian Warnd.

"Probably yeah, probably," replied Ponting.

I Love the Way That Ben Duckett Plays His Cricket - Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting expressed admiration for Ben Duckett’s calm reaction after being dismissed by Akash Deep. Ponting also added that his respect for the England opener had grown even more because he didn’t retaliate after the send-off.

"Although I mean, when I saw it, I just thought they must have been mates or played against each other somewhere or together. I would like to have something like that."

"I mean, you don't see that every day, maybe in a local park game or not in a test match that's been played as fiercely as this series has been played. I love the way that Ben Duckett plays his cricket. I think I like him more now to not to be able to react to that," Ponting added.

Yashasvi Jaiswal helped India recover from a first-innings deficit and take a 52-run lead at the close of the day. Bowlers dominated as 15 wickets fell on Friday. India added only 20 runs to their overnight score of 204-6 before being bowled out for 224.

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