Former England captain Michael Atherton did not hold back in his criticism of India’s young pacer Akash Deep following a contentious moment on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval. The incident took place after Akash dismissed England opener Ben Duckett for 43, cutting short a promising start by the hosts. While the delivery was impressive, it was the post-wicket celebration that drew attention—and not all of it positive.
Duckett, who had been aggressive right from the outset, attempted a reverse scoop but misjudged the execution, allowing Akash Deep to make the breakthrough. The fast bowler, in the heat of the moment, celebrated and then walked up to the departing Duckett, placing an arm around his shoulder and engaging in a brief exchange. Though the gesture didn’t appear hostile, it raised eyebrows, particularly in the commentary box.
Atherton, speaking on Sky Sports, called the act unnecessary and potentially problematic. “I would have hated that if a bowler put his arm around me after dismissing me. Stay out of the way,” he said. While acknowledging the emotional and high-adrenaline nature of Test cricket, Atherton cautioned that the game’s non-contact ethos must be respected.
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“It seemed good-natured, and I do like to give players space to express themselves. But it’s a non-contact sport. Something like this can open the door to misunderstandings, and I think the match referee has to step in and draw the line,” Michael Atherton added, suggesting that such physical interactions could lead to confrontations if misinterpreted.
“If Athers had put his hand around me getting me out, I would’ve said ‘Get out of the way!'” 😅
Ravi Shastri and Michael Atherton share their thoughts on the incident between Ben Duckett and Akash Deep 💭 pic.twitter.com/UyQzCX6uJL
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 2, 2025
Joining the conversation, former India coach Ravi Shastri echoed similar concerns. “No physical contact, because of what it can lead to,” Shastri warned. “Duckett may have brushed it off, but another player, maybe with a shorter fuse, could’ve reacted differently—and then the situation escalates. That’s not something cricket wants, especially with millions watching and the rulebook being clear about such behavior.”
The match itself has been a rollercoaster. India started Day 2 at 204/6 but were bundled out for 224 in the first hour, adding just 20 runs. Karun Nair top-scored with a composed 57, while Gus Atkinson wreaked havoc with the ball, finishing with a five-wicket haul.
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England, in response, came out blazing. Their openers put on a quick 92, but India struck back sharply. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna shared eight wickets between them, triggering a collapse that saw England finish with a narrow lead of just 23 runs.
India’s second innings began on a shaky note with KL Rahul and debutant Sai Sudharsan falling cheaply. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal brought momentum back with an aggressive unbeaten 51 off 49 balls. At stumps, India were 75/2, leading by 52 runs, with Akash Deep holding firm alongside Jaiswal. As Day 3 looms, Akash Deep will look to let his bowling do the talking—but for now, it’s his send-off that has everyone talking.
