Home / Sports / Nightwatchman Akash Deep Stuns with Maiden Test Half-Century
Nightwatchman Akash Deep Stuns with Maiden Test Half-Century
2 Aug
Summary
- Akash Deep scored 66 runs as a nightwatchman
- Formed a 107-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Highest score by an Indian nightwatchman since 2000
In a surprising turn of events on August 1, 2025, Indian pacer Akash Deep showcased his batting prowess during the ongoing fifth Test against England at The Oval. Akash Deep, who had come in as a nightwatchman on the previous day, resumed his innings on 4 runs off 2 balls and went on to score a remarkable 66 runs off 94 deliveries, including 12 boundaries.
Akash Deep's knock was particularly impressive as he formed a 107-run partnership with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, helping India take control of the match in the first session of the day. The right-handed batter's maiden Test half-century was the highest score by an Indian nightwatchman since 2000, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Fans on social media were quick to laud Akash Deep's exploits, with one user describing his knock as "a dream stuff" and another calling it "an absolute life-giving knock." The visitors were in a strong position at 189/3 at lunch, leading by 166 runs, with Jaiswal (85) and captain Shubman Gill (11) at the crease.
India, who were bundled out for 224 in their first innings, will be looking to capitalize on their strong position and level the five-match series, which currently stands at 2-1 in favor of England.
