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Akash Deep Teases Ben Duckett With Dramatic Send-Off As Bazball Antics Go Horribly Wrong

Debashis Sarangi

Akash Deep's send-off to Duckett [Source: @StarSportsIndia, @Kavya_Maran_SRH/X]Akash Deep's send-off to Duckett [Source: @StarSportsIndia, @Kavya_Maran_SRH/X]

India's premier fast bowler Akash Deep drew the first blood for his side as he dismissed Ben Duckett during England's first innings in the ongoing fifth Test at Kennington Oval. However, what grabbed the fans' attention was the way he gave a send-off to Duckett, engaging in what seemed like a friendly banter with the Englishman. 

Akash Deep Vs Ben Duckett: A Battle For Ages At Oval

Akash Deep has consistently troubled Ben Duckett in his brief international career. Before today's clash, the Indian seamer had dismissed the southpaw three times in Test cricket. 

However, as India came out to bowl after finishing their first innings with a paltry 224-run total, Duckett adopted an aggressive route to counter Akash Deep. 

In fact, the English opener succeeded in unsettling the Indian pacer, helping the hosts get off to a flier with his scintillating stroke play. 

But Akash Deep eventually had the last laugh, dismissing Duckett a few minutes before the lunch break. It was a good length delivery around the fourth stump as Duckett went for an audacious pre-meditated reverse scoop. However, he only managed a faint edge, with Dhruv Jurel taking a clean catch behind the stumps. 

After getting Duckett's wicket, Akash Deep created dramatic scenes by giving him a send-off. He charged towards the English batter, put his arm around his shoulders and had a brief chat with him before KL Rahul played the mediator's role, separating the two before a potential escalation. 

While Duckett maintained his calm throughout his long walk back to the hut, Akash Deep was elated and celebrated the dismissal with his teammates. 

Will ICC Penalise Akash Deep For His Action?

If the match officials find his actions to be provocative, Akash Deep could be penalised for breaching article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct which includes any language, action or gesture used by a Player and directed towards a batter upon his/her dismissal which has the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter, whether or not any reaction results, or which could be considered to disparage or demean the dismissed batter, regardless of whether the batter him/herself feels disparaged or demeaned (in other words, a ‘send-off’).