Akash Deep turned heads and won hearts on the morning of Day 3 (Saturday, August 2) during the final Test between India and England at The Oval, as he brought up his maiden Test half-century in style. What started as a routine day of play quickly transformed into a memorable one, as Akash, initially sent in as a nightwatchman, showcased resilience and flair that few had expected from the lower order.

India resumed the day at 75/2, with Akash Deep surviving an early LBW scare off Josh Tongue, saved only by the umpire’s call. From there, he grew in confidence, stitching a gritty and vital partnership that helped India push their lead past the 100-run mark in the series-deciding Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy clash.

The landmark moment arrived on the third ball of the 38th over when Akash flicked Gus Atkinson to the boundary and immediately erupted in jubilation. With a powerful fist pump and a proud gesture towards the Indian crest on his chest, he celebrated in front of a roaring dressing room. Shubman Gill stepped out to the balcony with Ravindra Jadeja, both urging Akash to raise his helmet—an honour typically reserved for centuries—but the humble nightwatchman chose to keep it on, soaking in the applause quietly.

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Gautam Gambhir, part of the commentary panel, was seen smiling admiringly, clearly impressed by the pacer’s unexpected heroics with the bat. This innings not only surprised England but also reshaped the dynamics of the Test, shifting momentum India’s way.

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— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) August 2, 2025

Jadeja and Gill wanted Akashdeep to remove his helmet and celebrate the fifty. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/ma3Wxp7L97

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 2, 2025

50+ Scores for an Indian Nightwatchman in Tests Since 2000:

Akash’s innings wasn’t just heartwarming—it was historic. He became the first Indian nightwatchman since Amit Mishra in 2011 (also at The Oval) to score a Test fifty and recorded his highest-ever score in first-class cricket.

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Additionally, he etched his name into an elite club, becoming only the third Indian to notch both a 10-wicket haul and a 50-plus score in a Test series abroad, and the first ever to do so in a SENA nation. Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook was full of praise. “He’s been brave and smart,” Cook admitted on BBC Test Match Special. “And yes, he’s made me look rather foolish as a pundit!”