England’s bowler Josh Tongue expressed frustration after India’s night-watchman, Akashdeep, significantly impacted the fifth Test at The Oval on Day 3. Akashdeep’s impressive innings, which began on Day 2, saw him score 66 runs off 94 balls, including 12 boundaries. His performance disrupted England’s bowling strategy, causing considerable annoyance among the bowlers.
Akashdeep’s crucial batting not only added vital runs to India’s score but also shifted the momentum in their favor. The English team had anticipated a short stay at the crease for him, but he exceeded expectations, forming a 107-run partnership with young Indian batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. Tongue later revealed in a press conference that the team’s primary objective was to dismiss Akashdeep as quickly as possible. He also discussed the team’s bowling strategy to counter India’s strong batting lineup.
With his maiden half-century in Test cricket, Akashdeep entered an elite group of players. He became the fourth Indian player to score a Test fifty while batting at number four. Adding to his achievements, he is also the 12th player in history to score a half-century and take a ten-wicket haul during a single tour of England.