Indian veteran Ravichandran Ashwin praised Akash Deep for his outstanding batting performance on Day 3 of the fifth Test against England at The Oval. Coming in as a nightwatchman at number four on Day 2, Akash went on to notch his maiden Test half-century.
Although Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar also contributed with fifties, Ashwin highlighted Akash Deep’s knock as a turning point. He noted that the early momentum provided by Deep, especially through his crucial partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, laid the foundation for India’s commanding total.
“Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar made fifties but we need to appreciate Akash Deep. The start that he gave, it killed England’s confidence that they could roll India out,” the former all-rounder said on ‘Ash ki Baat’. (2:23)
Ashwin praised Akash Deep’s natural batting ability, noting his solid defense and fluent off-side play. The pacer scored a vital 66 off 94 balls, hitting 12 boundaries.
“Akash Deep has raw batting talent. In Australia as well he helped avoid the follow-on and batted well. He’s got a solid defense and he can actually strike the mean ball. He is a lovely off-side player, doesn’t have a problem with the short ball. It took England a lot of time to realize he doesn’t like the ball angling in. That has been a problem with England’s bowling line-up,” Ashwin added. (4:31)
Ashwin Applauds Washington Sundar’s Impressive Batting Display
Ravichandran Ashwin praised Washington Sundar for his brisk fifty on Day 3, highlighting his power-hitting and role in extending India’s lead past 350. He also backed Sundar to become a full-time all-rounder in the future.
“Washington has a lot of batting ability and we all know it. He has strength as well and power was in full exhibition. The way he hit the pull shot was fabulous. This is a really good sign.”
“Jadeja has got a few years, but after that, he could be a full fledged all-rounder who could fit into Jadeja’s shoes, and that is a massive advantage. With Jadeja at seven, Washington at eight, and Axar at nine for the home season, that is a serious batting line-up,” he said. (12:10)
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