Akash Deep perishes after a well-made 66 in tough conditions at The Oval

Overview

• Akash Deep came out of the syllabus in the Oval Test and frustrated England with his batting
• As a nightwatchman, the right-handed batter scored 66(94), his career-best score in International Cricket
• While he was dismissed, Yashasvi Jaiswal inched closer to scoring a ton in challenging conditions

Akash Deep batted well against England in the second innings of The Oval Test and registered his career-best score of 66(94) in International Cricket. Coming in as a nightwatchman towards the end of the second day of the Test, Deep exceeded expectations, as he not just shielded the batters, but played as one, and frustrated the English bowlers.

When he arrived in the middle, India was reduced to 70/2, of which a majority was scored by Jaiswal, who counterattacked the English bowlers. In the first session of Day 3, Deep scored more runs than the Southpaw and put the pressure back on the home side. Deep played some lovely late cuts, drives, and lofted shots.

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Deep's knock caught England off-guard so much so that the skipper Ollie Pope removed all fielders from the slip cordon at one stage. The emerging talent brought up his first Test fifty, which included 12 boundaries. With Jaiswal at the other end, Deep played a key role in framing a stand of 107 runs for the third wicket, the highest of the match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's defiance helps India gain an advantage against England at The Oval

A well executed bouncer from Jamie Overton ensured an edge was induced off Akash Deep's willow and gloves, which brought the end for his knock. However, his 66(94) more than did a fine job for India. From 70/2 at one stage, India was in a comfortable position in the match at 177/3 when Deep was dismissed.

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As Shubman Gill walked out to bat after Deep's dismissal, Jaiswal continued his knock and grew in confidence, as he left the ball well and countered the bowlers efficiently. By the end of the first session of Day 3, India was 189/3 with Jaiswal staying unbeaten at 85*(106).