Watch: Shubman Gill makes special request to Akash Deep after India's nightwatchman cracked his maiden Test fifty on Day 3 of 5th Test vs England

India's nightwatchman Akash Deep shone bright as he cracked his maiden half-century in the longest format on Day 3 of the fifth Test against England at the Oval. Even Indian Team management wouldn't have expected such bravado act with the bat from star pacer Akash Deep when was sent as a nightwatchman on Day 2 of the ongoing final Test.

Akash Deep's maiden fifty prompts special request from Shubman Gill

Akash Deep reached the milestone off just 70 balls, hitting a four off pacer Gus Atkinson in the 38th over of India's second innings. His final three scoring shots leading up to the fifty were all boundaries, showcasing his aggressive intent.

Akash had come in to bat at number four late on the second day after Sai Sudharsan's dismissal. He successfully navigated the remainder of the day without further incident and started the third day with confidence, hitting a boundary off left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell in the very first over. As England's pacers tried to break the solid partnership between Akash and Yashasvi Jaiswal with a short-ball strategy, Akash proved more than capable. He expertly pulled a short delivery from Atkinson to the midwicket boundary and continued to handle the short-pitched bowling with cut and uppercut shots. Batting on 47, he edged a fuller delivery from Atkinson to the square-leg boundary, bringing up his fifty.

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The entire India team applauded Akash's stunning fifty from the stands, including the skipper Shubman Gill. Gill was also spotted prompting Akash to take out the helmet and soak in all the applause from the Oval crowd. From the balcony, skipper Shubman Gill and senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja were seen smiling and gesturing for Akash to take off his helmet, encouraging him to soak in the moment and acknowledge the cheers.

Watch the video here:

Before this match, Akash's only other first-class half-century was a blistering 18-ball fifty he scored for Bengal against Jharkhand during the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy quarterfinal.

India continue to dominate England on Day 3

Later, Akash's stay at the crease was cut short by Jamie Overton and the star batter had to return to the hut after scoring a robust 66 off 94. By lunch on Day 3, India were well placed at 189/3 with Yashasvi Jaiswal (85*) and Shubman Gill (11*) intact on the crease, stretching their lead to 166 runs.