'Loving this bond:' Fans on Akash Deep and Ben Duckett's hugging affair
On Day 3 of the fifth Test between England and India at the Kia Oval, Ben Duckett and Akash Deep shared a light-hearted moment after a competitive showdown after Duckett returned his hug Akash Deep.
Last Updated: 04.46 PM, Aug 02, 2025
On Day 3 of the England vs India, fifth test at the Kia Oval in London, Ben Duckett returned his 'hug' to Akash Deep as the Indian bowler continued smashing boundaries in the first hour of the day's play.
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Scene that took place on Day 2
Akash Deep had given a send-off on Day 2 after dismissing the English opener after the southpaw batter smashed 43 from 38 balls. Akash Deep had troubled Duckett in the earlier test matches as well, and in the first few overs, he had the better of the batter too.
However, while struggling, Duckett decided to bring his attacking game out and reverse lapped Akash Deep for the six. After that, it was all about Duckett, who dominated the Indian pacer, until Akash Deep got him out.
After the dismissal, Akash Deep went close to the batter and wrapped his hand around the shoulders of Duckett with a smile on his face. English commentators felt this was unnecessary from the Indian bowler, while Dinesh Karthik felt it was a friendly banter from Akash Deep.
What happened on Day 3?
Their 'hugging affair' continued when Akash Deep, who had come out as a night watchman on Day 2, kept scoring boundaries on Day 3. Soon, the partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Akash Deep reached the fifty mark, and Akash Deep achieved his highest test score as well. As Akash was hitting the boundaries, a 'smiling' Duckett came close to him and gave him a hug, which the fans at the ground and on social media thought to be very funny.