Day 2 of the fifth Test between India and England was not just about runs and wickets; it turned into a cauldron of verbal duels, heated exchanges, and a send-off that stole the spotlight. While India clawed back into the contest with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s quickfire fifty, the real drama unfolded when Akash Deep dismissed England opener Ben Duckett and sparked a storm.

The Controversy That Set The Oval Ablaze

The flashpoint came when Ben Duckett, who had earlier told Akash Deep “You won’t get me out today”, edged behind for 43. Instead of a routine celebration, Deep walked up to Duckett, draped an arm around his shoulder, and walked him towards the dressing room while saying something. KL Rahul quickly intervened to pull Deep away, but the send-off had already lit up social media and the commentary box.

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Expert Reactions Pour In

The moment drew widespread criticism and divided opinions across the cricket world:

Marcus Trescothick (England Assistant Coach): “Deep was lucky not to be elbowed. I’ve never seen something like this, completely unnecessary.”

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Ricky Ponting (Ex-Australia Captain): “Had he done that to me, I’d probably have punched him.”

Mike Atherton (Ex-England Captain): “Crossing the line. You don’t touch an opposition batter while sending him off.”

Ajay Jadeja (India Analyst): “The wicket you’ve taken, he’s dismissed himself. Tone-deaf celebrations when the team was under pressure.”

Dinesh Karthik: “Ben Duckett handled it well, but Akash must be careful. Such actions can cost a player his reputation.”

The episode added another layer of fire to a match already tense with sledging battles and pressure stakes, setting up a gripping Day 3.

Root and Prasidh Krishna in Heated Exchange

Not long after the Duckett drama, the Oval crowd witnessed another flashpoint. Joe Root, walking in under pressure, exchanged sharp words with India pacer Prasidh Krishna. After Prasidh teased him with “You’re looking in great shape”, Root snapped back, “Don’t try to be too smart”, before walking down the pitch towards the bowler. Umpires stepped in to ease tensions, but the crowd had already sensed the fire.

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Rahul Steps In After Dharmasena’s Warning to Prasidh

The Root-Prasidh Krishna confrontation had barely settled when another flashpoint emerged. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena, looking to cool tempers, was seen telling Prasidh to “just bowl quietly”. The remark didn’t sit well with India, and KL Rahul quickly stepped in, engaging Dharmasena in a heated exchange.

Rahul appeared to argue that the bowler had done nothing beyond competitive banter and that the umpire’s intervention was unnecessary. The chat lasted for over a minute, with other Indian players gathering around before the umpires diffused the matter. The episode further highlighted how tensions at The Oval had spilled beyond just bat and ball.

“It was part of the plan” –Prasidh Krishna

After stumps, Prasidh addressed the exchange in the press conference:

“It was part of the plan to keep him thinking. Honestly, I didn’t expect such a big reaction from Joe. We are good friends off the field, but in the middle, you want to get into the contest. That’s what Test cricket is all about.”

England’s batting coach Marcus Trescothick downplayed the spat, calling it “not serious, just competitive banter.” Yet, for India, the moment symbolized their refusal to back down in a high-stakes battle.


Momentum Up for Grabs at The Oval

As Day 3 begins, the fifth Test stands delicately poised. India, boosted by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s attacking start and their bowlers’ fightback on Day 2, will aim to convert their advantage into scoreboard pressure. All eyes will be on Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, who hold the key to building a lead on a pitch already offering uneven bounce.

For England, Gus Akinson and josh Tongue will look to strike early and push India back. The hosts know that a couple of quick wickets could swing momentum their way. With the series on the line, Day 3 promises a battle of nerve and skill? where one session could decide the match.