On Day 2 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, India’s bowler Akash Deep dismissed the dangerous Ben Duckett, shattering England’s strong opening partnership. India’s start to Day 2 was forgettable as they fell from 218/6 to 224 all-out after losing their final four wickets for a mere six runs. Together with Josh Tongue, who got rid of Karun Nair and subsequently assisted in tidying up the tail, Gus Atkinson spearheaded the English attack with an outstanding 5 for 33.
England’s openers Duckett and Zak Crawley responded with a counterattacking innings. In just 12.5 overs, both batsmen sped to a 92-run opening partnership, scoring at a rate of over seven runs per over. As he was settling into his new role, Duckett displayed his most violent side.
But the breakthrough was made possible by Deep Found. When he bowled a full delivery on off-stump in the thirteenth over, Duckett attempted to reverse-scoop it and got an edge that went directly to Dhruv Jurel, the keeper. Deep celebrated aggressively thereafter, pumping his fist directly in front of Duckett before approaching the southpaw, putting his arm around his shoulder, and exchanging a few words.
KL Rahul drew Akash Deep away to prevent a confrontation. Following the incident, the bowler spoke briefly with the umpire, Ahsan Raza.
Duckett, meanwhile, walked back after scoring 43 off 38 balls, adding two sixes and five boundaries to his knock.
The home team got an aggressive start to their first innings with the bat and cleaned up India’s tail in the opening session of Day 2. With Crawley and Ollie Pope at the wicket, England was behind by 115 runs at lunchtime with a score of 109/1.
India
