Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir was overjoyed as nightwatchman Akash Deep scored a remarkable half-century in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval. Coming in late on Day 2 after Sai Sudharsan was dismissed, Akash made an immediate impression, opening his bat with a boundary and maintaining his aggressive attitude on Day 3.
Akash Deep rejoiced with a fist pump after reaching his first Test fifty with a boundary off Gus Atkinson, getting a rousing applause in the Indian dressing room.
Shubman Gill, the Indian skipper, removed his helmet and came out to the balcony to applause, while Ravindra Jadeja directed Akash to remove his helmet and celebrate the milestone in style.
Akash’s whacked his blade all round the park to finish with 66 runs off only 94 deliveries, a knock that featured a total of 12 boundaries and was a key moment in India’s second innings, as they eye posting a big target. The Bengal cricketer forged a crucial 100-run partnership for the third wicket with Yashasvi Jaiswal, helping India significantly stretch their lead in the final Test.
Beyond his batting heroics, Akash was also in the spotlight for a heartwarming moment on Day 2, hugging Ben Duckett after dismissing him, following a light-hearted send-off.
India in command at the moment
At Lunch on the third day, India had reached 189/3, with a lead of 166 runs. Jaiswal was unbeaten on 85, while Gill was on 11. On the day prior to this, the Baggy Blues had lost KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan, signing off on the day with a 52-run lead.
In the first innings, Shubman Gill’s side was bowled out for 224, with Karun Nair top-scoring with 57 runs. For England, Atkinson starred with the ball, claiming his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. In reply, England managed 247, gaining only a slender 23-run lead. Zak Crawley (64) and Harry Brook (53) led England’s batting, while India’s bowling duo of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna picked up four wickets each.
With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy poised at 2-1 in England’s favour, India are eager to win this Test and level the series. A draw or win for England, however, would seal them the series and ensure they lift the newly renamed silverware.
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