Akash Deep, the young Indian pacer, weaved his magic yet again, this time with the bat, as India took on England in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. The pacer from Bengal walked in as a nightwatchman at the fag end of Day 2's play at the Oval and scored crucial runs for his side.
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India skipper Shubhman Gill has now praised the young star for his superb display with the bat, and he believes that Deep's knock was as good as a hundred.
Shubhman Gill believes Akash Deep's 66 was no less than a century
India lost Sai Sudharsan's wicket just minutes before the close of the second day's play, which prompted the side to send in Akash Deep at No.4 as a nightwatchman. Deep remained unbeaten at the end of the day's play, ensuring that the visitors lost no further wickets.
Day 3 at the Oval came as a surprise for the hosts, as India's nightwatchman showed immense resistance and displayed his batting prowess, scoring 66 runs. Akash Deep did not just hold one end, but also ensured that the scoreboard kept on moving.
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He stitched a wonderful 107-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal and took India to a comfortable position. Deep also became only the second Indian night watchman after Amit Mishra to score a half-century.
Indian skipper Shubman Gill has now heaped praises on the young pacer. Gill, in a video montage via BCCI, said, "Akash Deep's 66 is no less than a century for us."
Deep's knock came at a crucial juncture in the match. He not only survived the difficult initial phases of day 3, but also tired down the English pace attack, which was already operating without its primary pacer - Chris Woakes.
Shubman Gill talks about the importance of Akash Deep's innings. 🔥#Cricket #Gill #India #Test pic.twitter.com/p8S723fsJS
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 3, 2025
India has set a target of 374 runs for the hosts. England ended Day 3 at 50/1, losing Zak Crawley on the very last ball of the day.
With two days of play still left in the game, a draw seems to be out of the equation, unless rain plays a spoilsport. The cricketing fans across the world are surely in for an epic day of Test cricket.