London, Aug 3 (NationPress) Former Indian batsman Sanjay Bangar showered accolades on pacer Akash Deep for his impressive batting display in the second innings, which significantly uplifted the visiting team during the ongoing fifth Test against England at The Oval.

Akash made a remarkable contribution of 66 runs, adorned with 12 fours, and was instrumental in a 107-run partnership for the third wicket alongside opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. This collaboration not only salvaged India's innings but also laid a solid foundation for the incoming batsmen.

“Akash Deep seized his chances early against Bethell right from the first over, but thereafter, he was exceedingly strategic. He showcased skills akin to a genuine batsman; he has the ability to bat effectively, having previously rescued India from a follow-on in the Brisbane Test match. His resilience was commendable, and he stood firm against the short balls,” Bangar commented on JioHotstar.

Jaiswal's 118, coupled with valuable half-centuries from all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, propelled India to 396, setting a target of 374 for England.

In reply, England concluded the day at 50 for 1, with Mohammed Siraj providing a key breakthrough just before stumps on Saturday, executing a precise off-stump yorker to dismiss the formidable Zak Crawley, granting India a slight advantage going into the fourth day.

Bangar commended India's bowling discipline in the concluding session. “Kudos to India for not allowing the English batsmen to dominate. Both teams were engaged in a strategic standoff; even players like Duckett were cautious, refraining from aggressive shots. They recognized the need for patience and endured a few blows. Overall, ending the day on this note certainly means India will rest easier, especially as the England openers have proven to be formidable throughout the series,” he stated.

“A wicket can be pivotal. Both openers exuded confidence, with Crawley taking a ball on the bicep, and Duckett sustaining a finger injury. In that brief spell, Prasidh and Akash Deep stood out as the top bowlers.

“All three bowlers made life challenging for the English batsmen. Their imaginative tactics, such as deploying a sweeper cover for Crawley and positioning a deeper square leg for Duckett, compelled the batsmen to reconsider their scoring options. Therefore, credit to India for adopting diverse strategies and forcing the English batsmen to adapt. It was an excellent display of cricket overall,” Bangar concluded.