Akash Deep was pulled away by KL Rahul after the pacer put his arm around Ben Duckett's shoulder.
Former cricketer-turned-commentator Michael Atherton has criticized India seamer Akash Deep's 'unnecessary' send-off to England opener Ben Duckett on Day 2 of the fifth Test at The Oval.
Duckett and his fellow opener Zak Crawley took the Indian bowling attack to the cleaners on a seaming pitch after bundling out the visitors for 224 in the morning session.
The duo added 92 runs in just 76 deliveries before Akash drew the first blood for India by removing Duckett on 43 (38 balls).
Following the dismissal, Akash put a hand around Duckett’s shoulders and exchanged a few words with the southpaw, much to the surprise of the fans and analysts alike.
Before things could have turned ugly, KL Rahul came close towards Akash Deep to pull him away.
“He’s given Duckett a bit of a send-off, which is probably unnecessary, but it’s the wicket that India desperately wanted. How many times did a bowler put his arm around after dismissing you, DK?" Atherton asked former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik while commentating.
“I’m not sure if this is the right way to send off a batter, especially after you’ve got him out. Not many batters would behave the way Ben Duckett did, or rather did. It looked like they knew each other well," Karthik replied.
Akash’s send-off to Duckett has certainly added a new layer of drama in this series. The Shubman Gill-led side is currently 1-2 behind in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy but has an opportunity to draw level in the finale.