Akash Deep's Light Hearted Sparring With Ben Duckett Is Series Talk

The Anderson Tendulkar Trophy made a lot of memories but one of the most discussed moments was from Akash Deep and Ben Duckett's light-hearted banter. There were many fiery duels on the field watched by cricket fans, but this one stood apart since it came in the guise of humor and good spirit. Akash Deep exposed how after dismissing Duckett in the tense last Test at The Oval he went up to him and told him with a grin "bro now go and rest please." The brief sentence had a blend of confidence and amiability and it rapidly went viral on social media.

Akash Deep has been able to overpower Duckett throughout the series and the figures attest to his victory. In six red ball cricket innings the Indian pacer has got Duckett out four times and given away only 55 runs. That has left Duckett with a pathetic average of 13.75 against Akash. This sort of consistent advantage had given Akash a lot of confidence and he said that the repartee between him and the English opener used to make the game all the more exciting. Duckett had previously baited Akash with the words that he would not dismiss him this time but it ended with Akash laughing last when he coaxed a faint edge through to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.

Though relishing domination over Duckett Akash has another dismissal much dearer to his heart. At India's historic Test victory at Edgbaston he established and clean bowled Joe Root one of the best batsmen of this generation. He clarified afterwards that he stuck with a particular plan and continued bowling one length until the ball nipped back ferociously and crashed into Root's stumps. Root managed to score just six before shuffling off and for Akash, this wicket turned out to be a dream moment. He has himself admitted that this dismissal is one he keeps playing in his mind repeatedly because it happened just as he had imagined.

The series itself was a rollercoaster. England attempted to drive India back through their aggressive Bazball strategy and Duckett contributed his part in smashing five boundaries and two huge sixes in a single innings to shift the momentum. However, India's bowlers led by Akash maintained their discipline. They believed in their strategies and eventually were able to turn the tables. Akash's capacity to blend controlled aggression with jovial chats set him apart and he soon found himself a favourite among the crowds who appreciated both his bowling and his light hearted nature.

The statistics of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy too indicate the influence Akash had. He took 13 wickets in a mere three Tests and played a pivotal role in India's defense of a record 608 run target. His tenth wicket contribution to the victory in that match ensured that the team went on to win by a thumping 336 runs which provided India with a memorable highlight of the series. The five match contest was eventually drawn two two but Akash had established himself among India's fastest rising stars.

The post match interviews and his remarks to Duckett also served to enhance his growing popularity. He did not brag about his success rather he opted to reminisce with laughter. His remark on instructing Duckett to rest was not intended to debase but to demonstrate that competition could be friendly even in the midst of combat.Cricket has long lived on rivalries but such exchanges reveal the human nature of the game where respect and laughter coexist with fierce competition.

The Akash v Duckett tale and the prized wicket of Joe Root will forever be relived by fans and commentators alike.It serves to highlight how the best batters in the world can be outsmarted by a young bowler with guile and strategy.It also displays the magic of cricket where the ball may travel slowly but a clever quip can go faster and entertain the masses globally.For Akash these are stepping stones in a career that seems set to expand further. For Indian cricket it is a good sign that the pace attack has fallen into safe hands in the form of players who can deliver under pressure and also conduct themselves with humility and dignity.

As the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy recedes into memory the image of Akash slinging his arm over Duckett and half-teasingly telling him to rest will be one of the gentler but enduring pictures of the series. It reminds us that cricket is more than runs and wickets but also about stories smiles and sportsmanship which endure long after the day's play is done.