Akash Deep Shines with the Bat as India Take Control at The Oval
So, today at The Oval, it wasn’t one of the regular batters who made headlines—it was Akash Deep. Yes, the fast bowler, known more for his bowling than batting, turned heads with a remarkable and rather unexpected innings that could prove crucial in the fifth and final Test between India and England.
Coming in with India still finding their footing and England sensing an opportunity, Akash Deep showed remarkable composure and aggression. He scored a gritty 66 runs, registering his maiden Test fifty. It was a knock that came with a mix of edges, confident drives, and the occasional lucky escape—including a dropped catch and a close LBW call that went in his favour due to umpire’s call. But hey, it’s Test cricket, and every bit of luck counts.
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What made his innings so impactful wasn't just the runs—it was the timing. India had just lost a couple of wickets and needed someone to steady things while Jaiswal was anchoring from the other end. Akash Deep did more than just hold on; he counterattacked. He outscored Jaiswal during their partnership at one point, slashing boundaries and showing no signs of intimidation. It looked like every English bowler had a go at him—Overton, Tongue, Atkinson—but Deep had an answer for most of what was thrown at him.
Eventually, his innings came to an end when he got a leading edge off Overton, caught by Atkinson at backward point. But by then, the damage was done. His 66 helped push India’s lead significantly, putting the pressure right back on England, especially as they were already missing Chris Woakes and had struggled with a few dropped chances.
What’s more, his efforts came during a session that clearly belonged to India. The Oval crowd buzzed with excitement, and his walk back to the pavilion was met with generous applause—even from English fans, who couldn’t help but admire the fight he showed.
In the broader context of the match, Deep’s contribution might just turn out to be a game-changer. Not often do you see a lower-order batter take the game away like that, especially on foreign soil. With players like Gill and Jaiswal still at the crease and plenty of time left, India seem to have seized the momentum. And it all started with a bowler who batted like a top-order pro.
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