Ben Duckett's Heroic Shots Stun Akash Deep, But the Pacer Gets Sweet Revenge at The Oval

England opener Ben Duckett lit up the Oval Test with a fiery start in the first innings, playing two jaw-dropping shots that not only amazed the crowd but also seemed to taunt Indian pacer Akash Deep. Known for his fearless and aggressive batting style, Duckett pulled off two outrageous shots — a reverse scoop and a classic scoop — both against Akash Deep, sending the ball soaring for sixes.

But what began as a display of bravado soon turned into a moment of payback for the young Indian bowler.

Akash Deep Takes Revenge

After being hit for two audacious sixes, Akash Deep bounced back with the perfect reply. In the 13th over, Ben Duckett once again attempted a scoop shot on a good-length delivery. This time, he misjudged the line, and the ball edged off his bat straight into the gloves of wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Akash Deep celebrated the dismissal passionately and was seen putting a hand on Duckett’s shoulder while saying something — a gesture that stirred slight controversy.

The on-field exchange caught attention quickly, but senior player KL Rahul stepped in and diffused the situation by pulling Akash Deep away before things escalated.

Duckett’s Entertaining Knock

Although Duckett fell short of a half-century, his innings of 43 off just 37 balls gave England the early momentum they needed. He built a quickfire 92-run partnership with Zak Crawley, and remarkably, the duo took just 77 balls to reach that mark. Duckett’s aggressive intent kept the Indian bowlers on their toes, and his bold shot selection certainly entertained the Oval crowd.

A Turning Point in the Match

While Duckett’s aggressive approach earned him early runs, it also led to his downfall — showing the double-edged nature of such fearless batting in Test cricket. For Akash Deep, the dismissal was not just a wicket but a moment of personal redemption after being hit for two spectacular sixes.