'Imagine doing that to Viv Richards': Ex-England captain's blunt take on Akash Deep-Ben Duckett episode in IND vs ENG 5th Test

India's star pacer Akash Deep has become a subject of discussion following a controversial on-field gesture during the fifth and final Test against England. After dismissing England opener Ben Duckett on Day 2, Deep was seen wrapping his arm around the batsman's shoulder in a seemingly friendly manner. This action has drawn criticism from former cricketers and commentators who believe such gestures should be avoided, especially in a competitive and hard-fought series.

Michael Atherton not happy with Akash Deep's gesture towards Ben Duckett

While Duckett appeared to take the gesture in good spirits, many critics argue that a bowler should not engage in such 'friendly' stunts after a dismissal. They suggest that such a move could be misinterpreted, potentially escalating tensions or causing misunderstandings on the field. They maintain that, in a sport that is traditionally non-contact, this kind of physical interaction crosses a line and is inappropriate for the competitive environment of Test cricket. Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Atherton also jumped into the debate and said that he would have hated if a bowler put his arm around him after taking his wicket.

"Can you imagine doing that to Viv Richards? I mean to anyone. I would've hated that if a bowler put his arm around me, having just dismissed me. Stay out of the way," Atherton said on Sky Sports.

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Meanwhile, former India's head coach Ravi Shastri while humorously reacting to Atherton's comment said:

"If Athers had put his arm around me, I would've said 'get out of the way,' Athers!"

Atherton continued to make his point in all seriousness and stated:

"It's a serious point. It seemed good-natured and I like to give cricketers maximum leeway because it's an emotional, passionate game. I like to see them get stuck in. I don't like the match referees getting involved but it's a non-contact sport. Something like that can end in a problem. I think the match referee has to stamp that out."

Ravi Shastri then offered a different perspective on the incident. He suggested that if Ben Duckett had reacted negatively to the gesture, the situation could have escalated and taken a turn for the worse.

"There can be no physical contact. Another player (apart from Duckett), with a fiesty temperament, would have done something different, which he would have regretted. It is watched by millions. The match referee will be forced to take action because of the rule book," Shastri concluded.

Akash Deep then put on a show on Day 3 as he being India's nightwatchman delivered a knock of his life. He cracked a robust 66, which was his maiden Test fifty, which helped India take an upper hand in the match.

As of tea on Day 3, India were placed at 304/6, extending their lead to 281, with Dhruv Jurel (25*) and Ravindra Jadeja (26*)intact on the crease.