Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Dinesh Karthik recently commended Akash Deep for his stellar performance on Day 3 of the fifth Test against England at The Oval. The veteran cricketer, aged 40, lauded the pacer’s remarkable display, emphasizing how he played a crucial role in steering India to a commanding position in the match.
During his innings, the 28-year-old Akash Deep scored a valuable 66 off 94 balls before getting dismissed by Jamie Overton. His partnership of 107 runs for the third wicket with Yashasvi Jaiswal proved to be pivotal in frustrating the English bowlers on the third day. Karthik, speaking to Sky Sports Cricket, expressed his admiration for Akash Deep’s performance, stating, “They couldn’t have asked anything more from him. All they wanted him to do was to probably just get past last night, which he did quite comfortably.”
He further added, “Today, he came out there and played wonderfully well. Gave a chance early, they put down chances, that is what happens. That is the last thing you want. As it is, you are a depleted bowling attack, and then when you put down simple ones, it gets even tougher.” Despite some fortunate breaks, Karthik acknowledged Akash Deep’s resilience and his significant contribution to India’s strong position in the match.
Akash Deep reached his fifty with a boundary off Gus Atkinson on Day 3, showcasing great determination and benefiting from a bit of luck with edges finding the gaps in the field. The Indian team went into Lunch on Day 3 at 189/3, holding a lead of 166 runs over England. Jaiswal and Akash Deep’s partnership laid a solid foundation for India’s innings, with England bowlers struggling to break through.
Unfortunately, Shubman Gill fell for 11 on the first ball after lunch, concluding his tour with an impressive tally of 754 runs in 10 innings. As of the latest update, India was positioned at 192/4 in 46 overs, with Karun Nair partnering Jaiswal in the middle, aiming to extend their lead at The Oval.
In conclusion, Akash Deep’s exceptional performance with the bat has not only bolstered India’s position in the Test match but also highlighted the team’s resilience in challenging circumstances. As the match progresses, the onus is now on the Indian batters to capitalize on their advantage and further strengthen their position. The contributions of players like Akash Deep are crucial in shaping the team’s success and momentum in the game.
