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Akash Deep’s Heroics With the Bat Push India Ahead in Fifth Test Against England
India’s lower-order brilliance, led by Akash Deep’s maiden Test half-century, left England frustrated on Day 3 of the final Test at Dharamsala. His confident stroke play and resilience helped India strengthen their grip on the match, as they built a commanding lead before Lunch.
Akash Deep’s Gritty Fifty Puts India in Command
A Nightwatchman’s Knock to Remember
In what was expected to be a testing morning for India, Akash Deep emerged as the unlikely hero. Walking in as a nightwatchman, the pacer displayed extraordinary calm and technical discipline, notching up his maiden international fifty in just 70 deliveries. This innings not only marked his highest Test and first-class score but also made him the first Indian nightwatchman to score a Test fifty since Amit Mishra’s 84 in 2011 — coincidentally, at the same ground and against the same opponent.
Akash didn’t just survive — he thrived. Starting his day with a powerful heave against left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell, he immediately set an attacking tone. His clean hitting continued against England’s pacers, especially Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, showing both courage and calculated aggression.
England’s Frustration Grows Amid Missed Opportunities
England were left ruing their fielding errors once again. Zak Crawley dropped Akash Deep early in the session — his second drop of the match and England’s fourth overall by the 26th over. This was their most dropped catches in a Test innings within that period in recent memory, allowing India to build crucial partnerships.
Josh Tongue bowled a disciplined and threatening spell of seven overs to start the day, but India’s counterattack — led by Akash and Yashasvi Jaiswal — soon began to take the momentum away. The duo compiled the longest partnership of the match, frustrating the bowlers and fielders alike.
🔗 Related Reading: India’s best nightwatchman knocks in Test history
Jaiswal Steadies the Ship as India Surge Ahead
Controlled Batting and Strategic Strokeplay
Yashasvi Jaiswal, batting on 85 at Lunch*, played a calculated innings by taking a backseat to Akash initially. He then opened up with aggressive shots, including trademark periscope strokes over the slips, adding flair to India’s steady advance. The pair helped India add 114 runs in the morning session, stretching their total to 189/3 and increasing their lead to 166 runs by the break.
Once Jamie Overton finally removed Akash with a leading edge to point, the damage had already been done. His effort received a standing ovation from the Indian balcony — a recognition of the critical role he played in flipping the narrative of the Test.
India Eyeing Series Victory With Momentum on Their Side
Shubman Gill’s short stay before Lunch showed promising signs as he joined Jaiswal in the middle. With the pitch still offering bounce and lateral movement, England’s bowlers had their work cut out, but India held the momentum going into the second session.
This innings was a stark example of how depth in the batting order can alter the course of a Test. Akash Deep’s 66-run knock wasn’t just about personal milestones — it was a statement performance that tilted the match decisively in India’s favor.
Brief Score Summary
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India: 224 & 189/3 (Jaiswal 85*, Akash Deep 66)
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England: 247
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India Lead by: 166 runs
🔗 For detailed stats and ball-by-ball updates, visit ESPNcricinfo.
