Shubman Gill blamed for Akash Deep's send-off to Ben Duckett during Oval Test

Former Team India cricketer Ajay Jadeja slammed pacer Akash Deep for his send-off to England batter Ben Duckett during the fifth Test at The Oval. Jadeja stated that the wicket wasn’t earned and added that captain Shubman Gill should step in and ensure the bowlers maintain composure on the field.

Akash Deep came under fire for his celebration after dismissing Ben Duckett on Day 2 (Friday, August 1) of the match. The pacer was seen sledging Duckett despite India being under pressure at the time. Many fans and former cricketers have questioned Akash’s conduct on the field given the match situation.

Akash Deep Gives Duckett a Send-Off, Then Shares Words After Dismissing Him

England got off to a flying start in their first innings as openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley added a 92-run stand in just 12.5 overs on a challenging surface. Duckett, who scored 43 off 38 balls with two sixes and five fours, was dismissed while attempting a reverse scoop against Akash Deep.

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Akash celebrated the wicket with an animated send-off, placing an arm around Duckett and exchanging words. KL Rahul had to intervene to diffuse the situation.

Duckett had earlier taken on Akash, including hitting a reverse scoop for six. Although England started well, they failed to maintain the momentum and were eventually bowled out for 247. The hosts took a 23-run lead after fifties from Crawley and Harry Brook.

Ajay Jadeja Slams Akash Deep for Send-Off to Ben Duckett During Fifth Test

Speaking on Sony Sports Network’s Hindi broadcast, Ajay Jadeja pointed out that Akash Deep had conceded 40 runs in five overs on a seaming pitch. He added that Duckett's dismissal was more due to his own mistake than Akash’s skill.

“When it was happening, I couldn’t understand what he could be sledging about at this point. The situation was that on a seaming wicket, in 10 overs it was 94 runs, you have gone for 40 in 5 overs. Even the wicket you’ve taken, you haven’t taken it, he’s dismissed himself,” said Jadeja.

“I’ve gotten the wicket, that’s why I will celebrate. How I got it, why I got it, when I got it, if I should have gotten it, not gotten it, what I did, that has no thought,” he added.

Shubman Gill Should Say to the Bowler - Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra joked that there might have been some ongoing banter throughout the series that led to Akash Deep’s reaction. Nehra added that it’s the captain’s responsibility to address such concerns with the bowler.

“A fine for showing love?. Sitting here we don’t know if there was some consistent back-and-forth with them across the series that caused Akash Deep to do this," joked Nehra.

“This is not even really a send-off. In fact the captain should say to the bowler all these things Ajay has mentioned. He should be the one getting angry with the game situation,” he added.

India, captained by Shubman Gill, are currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series against England. The last match in Manchester ended in a draw, leaving India in a must-win situation. A loss or draw would lead to another series defeat for India, following losses to Australia and New Zealand.

Also read: India vs England Weather Report Day 3, Oval Test 2025