Tempers and opinions flared on Day 2 of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval after Indian pacer Akash Deep’s cheeky send-off to England opener Ben Duckett prompted a scathing response from former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Speaking in his role as commentator, Ponting bluntly admitted that he would have responded physically if faced with such post-dismissal theatrics during his own playing days.

The incident: Akash Deep’s cheeky send-off to Ben Duckett

It was the 13th over of England’s first innings. Ben Duckett, in typically aggressive fashion, had taken Akash Deep apart for 4 fours and a six, racing to 43 off just 38 balls. But Akash Deep had the last laugh, eventually claiming Duckett’s wicket for the fourth time in the series. On this occasion, the bowler punctuated the moment by draping his arm around Duckett’s shoulder, sharing a few words with a wide smile as Duckett made his walk back—a gesture both friendly and deeply provocative on such a high-stakes stage.

This light-hearted display immediately raised eyebrows among viewers and pundits. England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick summed up the old-school view, saying that, “In my time, a lot of players would have just dropped the elbow on him,” emphasizing how the modern game’s etiquette has shifted.

Also WATCH: Akash Deep gives Ben Duckett a cheeky send-off after his dismissal in the Oval Test

Ricky Ponting’s reaction: A throwback to old-school grit

Analyzing the incident on live television, Sky Sports presenter Ian Ward pointedly asked Ponting if he would have tolerated such a send-off in his own era. Ponting didn’t hesitate: “Probably yeah, probably,”
the legendary Aussie replied, suggesting that Akash Deep’s gesture might have provoked an immediate “right hook” from him.

Ponting explained further: “Although I mean, when I saw it, I just thought they must have been mates or played against each other somewhere or together. I would like to have something like that. I mean, you don’t see that every day, maybe in a local park game or not in a test match that’s been played as fiercely as this series has been played. I love the way that Ben Duckett plays his cricket. I think I like him more now to not to be able to react to that.”

While the sights of fierce confrontations and sledges are not new to Test cricket, physical contact after a wicket—especially from the bowler—is exceedingly rare and generally discouraged.

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