Nightwatchman’s Stunning Fifty: Akash Deep Shocks England in India’s Test Triumph
Akash Deep’s maiden fifty helps India dominate England on day three of the final Test.
Indian nightwatchman Akash Deep delivered a sensational maiden half-century, scoring 66 off 94 balls, to frustrate England and propel India to a commanding 189 for three at lunch on day three of the final Test match. Resuming at 75 for two, India capitalized on a 107-run partnership between Akash Deep and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who remained unbeaten on 85 off 106 balls, to dominate a depleted English bowling attack.
Akash Deep, who started the day on four, showcased aggressive intent from the outset, dispatching left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell for a boundary over mid-wicket in the first over. Unfazed by England’s pacers, he reached his fifty with a slog off Gus Atkinson, earning applause from the Indian dressing room. His innings, marked by bold slashes and edges that evaded fielders, ended when Jamie Overton’s well-directed short ball forced a mistimed shot, caught by Atkinson at point. England’s fielding woes were evident as Zak Crawley dropped a straightforward catch at third slip off Josh Tongue’s delivery, allowing Akash Deep to capitalize further.
England, hampered by Chris Woakes’ shoulder injury, struggled to contain the run flow on a surface that offered less seam movement than the previous days. Jaiswal, playing a composed anchor role, supported Akash Deep’s flamboyance with occasional flair, including a ramp shot off Overton for a boundary.
The partnership exposed England’s lackluster performance, with multiple edges falling safe in the third man region. Akash Deep’s remarkable effort, only his second first-class fifty, has shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor as they aim to consolidate their position in the Test.
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