The strategic use of Akash Deep as a nightwatchman in India’s second innings during The Oval Test against England has drawn praise from former national team batting coach Sanjay Bangar, who termed the move “brave” given the team’s deep batting lineup. The 27-year-old seamer-turned-batter capitalized on the opportunity, crafting a pivotal 66-run knock that bolstered India’s total to 396, leaving England chasing 374 for victory.
Resuming Day 3 on 75/2, India rode on Akash Deep’s maiden Test fifty—a 94-ball innings laced with 12 boundaries—and his 107-run partnership with centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal (118). The decision to deploy a lower-order player like Akash Deep in a stabilizing role surprised analysts, as India’s batting depth typically extends to No. 8. Bangar, speaking on ESPNcricinfo, highlighted the calculated risk: “Sending him as nightwatchman was bold, especially with batting options available. He played with discipline, sticking to a clear plan against pace.”
The Bihar-born cricketer’s resistance lasted 109 minutes before Jamie Overton dismissed him via a leading edge, but not before his partnership with Jaiswal had sapped England’s momentum. “His assured defense in bowler-friendly conditions drained England’s attack,” Bangar noted, suggesting India might have folded earlier without his contribution.
While Akash Deep and Jaiswal anchored the innings, Bangar emphasized the importance of cameos from Dhruv Jurel (34), Ravindra Jadeja (53), and Washington Sundar (53) in stretching India’s lead. “Those runs were critical. Without them, England’s target of 320-odd would’ve been less daunting,” he remarked. The hosts closed Day 4 at 50/1, needing 324 more runs on the final day.
Akash Deep’s performance underscored the value of adaptable roles in Test cricket, particularly in overseas conditions. His innings—a blend of patience and selective aggression—offered a template for lower-order resilience, a factor that could prove decisive as India push for a series-leveling win. England, meanwhile, face an uphill battle against a varied attack on a pitch still offering assistance to bowlers.
