Test at The Oval between Ben Duckett and Akash Deep: A heated exchange of sledges, remarkable fielding plays, and a memorable send-off that lit up the cricket match at The Oval
In the thrilling 2025 Oval Test between England and India, a moment of controversy unfolded that became the defining talking point of the match. Indian bowler Akash Deep, in a playful yet questionable move, gave a controversial send-off to England batter Ben Duckett, putting his arm around Duckett's shoulder and sharing a few words as the latter walked off the field.
The incident, which some critics deemed as unsportsmanlike or provocative, sparked a strong reaction. Former cricketers and commentators felt Akash Deep had "seriously crossed a line" with his display [2][4]. Despite the mixed opinions, the send-off added to the drama and intensity of the contest. Akash Deep seemed to be boosted by the incident, scoring a vital 66 runs and helping India take a strong position in the game [1].
The episode created a buzz on social media and cricket media, with the gesture being replayed and widely discussed [3][5]. Indian selectors were reported to have taken notice of his performance and attitude [1].
The opening play between Ben Duckett and Akash Deep included a reverse-scoop at the start and end, with Duckett bringing up the team fifty with another scoop [6]. However, Duckett had a close call with an lbw, and a lobbed edge off his bat just fell short of two slip fielders [1]. He also survived an lbw review after being knocked on the box [10].
The session began with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley facing a green and spicy wicket that jagged around [7]. Mohammed Siraj was replaced by Akash Deep, who went for 23 runs in his first three overs [8]. After a conversation with Akash Deep, Duckett hit a reverse-scoop for a six next ball [3]. However, Akash Deep's strategy was to bowl it on the stumps and seam it away, squaring Duckett up [9].
KL Rahul pulled Akash Deep away, and the umpire gave him an unofficial warning [4]. Akash Deep's over brought a sequence of quiet play, with Duckett's shots not coming off as they usually did [9]. Towards the end, Akash Deep resorted to a reverse-scoop, but this time the ball trickled to the wicketkeeper for a tame end to the onslaught [6].
The match continued to be dramatic, with India keeping up their fight [11]. For those interested in the series, live streaming details can be found on the website, and there are also quizzes related to the series available [12].
In summary, the “arm around the shoulder” send-off by Akash Deep to Ben Duckett was seen as a memorable and controversial moment during the Oval Test, characterized by a mix of cheekiness, psychological gamesmanship, and criticism over sportsmanship standards. The incident added an extra layer of excitement to an already intense and dramatic match.
[1] BBC Sport [2] Sky Sports [3] ESPN Cricinfo [4] The Telegraph [5] The Guardian [6] The Times of India [7] Daily Mail [8] The Hindu [9] Cricbuzz [10] ICC [11] The Indian Express [12] Official ENG vs IND Series Website
The controversial "arm around the shoulder" send-off by Akash Deep to Ben Duckett, despite sparking mixed opinions due to its unsportsmanlike nature, added an extra layer of excitement to an already intense Oval Test match. Interestingly, this incident seemed to boost Akash Deep's performance, as he scored a vital 66 runs for India and helped them take a strong position in the game.
