Akash Deep, the young Indian pacer, has been very impressive with the ball for India. In his short Test career so far, the pacer has impressed one and all with his accurate lines and lengths, troubling the batters.
The pacer from Bengal has now found himself at the centre of a controversy after his gesture towards Ben Duckett during the fifth India vs England Test at the Kennington Oval.
Former England captain Mike Atherton has now warned the Indian pacer, as he feels the ICC match referee might be forced to take action against Deep.
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What happened between Akash Deep and Ben Duckett?
Akash Deep's seemingly friendly gesture towards English opener Ben Duckett has now become a topic of debate. The incident occurred during England's first innings of the fifth India vs England Test. After dismissing Ben Duckett, Akash Deep was seen putting his arm around the opponent's shoulder.
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While the gesture seemed friendly, cricketing experts such as Ricky Ponting, Dinesh Karthik, Ravi Shastri, and Mike Atherton believe that the pacer should avoid such interactions.
There was not much wrong with what Deep did, but the timing of the gesture seemed a bit off, which made the experts feel that such things can be avoided. While Duckett took it sportingly, former cricketers believe that one should avoid such friendly gestures after dismissing a batter.
Mike Atherton warns Akash Deep for his gesture towards Ben Duckett
Former English skipper Mike Atherton has warned the Indian pacer following his gesture towards Duckett. Atherton said that while he is ok with banter among players, they should avoid making physical gestures on the field.
"Can you imagine doing that to Viv Richards? I mean to anyone. I would've hated that if a bowler put his arm around me, having just dismissed me. Stay out of the way," Atherton said on Sky Sports.
Atherton expressed that such gestures could be frustrating for the batters, especially when they have just gotten out. Deep dismissed a dangerous-looking Duckett for 43. The duo were also seen exchanging a few words earlier in the innings.
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"It's a serious point. It seemed good-natured, and I like to give cricketers maximum leeway because it's an emotional, passionate game. I like to see them get stuck in. I don't like the match referees getting involved, but it's a non-contact sport. Something like that can end in a problem. I think the match referee has to stamp that out," Atherton added.
While the moment seemed light-hearted, with a friendly smirk, it wasn't received very well by the cricketing pundits. The duo was also seen sharing another such moment when Deep was batting on Day 3 of the Test.
It would be interesting to see whether Akash Deep faces any sanction for his seemingly friendly gesture.