• Source:JND
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India's star pacer Akash Deep finally opened up on his controversial send-off to Ben Duckett during the fifth and final Test at the Kennington Oval.

Akash Deep had a memorable outing on his maiden England tour and played a big role in helping India draw the five-match Test series 2-2 following a thrilling win in the final match. India defeated England by just 6 runs in the fifth Test.

After dismissing Duckett in the first innings, Akash Deep put a hand around Duckett's shoulders after dismissing him and uttered a few words. The incident even prompted KL Rahul to intervene and drag Akash out of committing a bigger mistake.

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He found himself in the middle of heavy criticism as fans urged the ICC to take action against the Indian pacer for this controversial act. However, Akash Deep has now spoken on the whole incident. He revealed that Duckett had told him that he wouldn't be able to get him out, and this is what triggered him to do the act.

"I have a good record against Duckett and have got him out a few times. I have always fancied my chances against the left-handers, and he is no different," Akash told Revsportz.

"On that day, he was trying to throw me off my line and length and had played a number of unconventional shots. That's when he said to me that it was his day and I would not be able to get him out," he added.

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Duckett provided England a fiery start in the second innings, stitching a 92-run opening stand with Zak Crawley. Akash Deep ended up dismissing him for 43 runs. "The truth is, if a batter moves around the pitch and plays these shots, your line and length do get impacted, for you don't really know what he will do next. That's what was happening. Also, England were off to a quick start, and we needed a wicket," said Akash.

"We were defending a modest score, and wickets were critical. When I got him out (smiles), I said to him: 'You miss, I hit. Not always will you win. This time, I win. It was a continuation of what he was saying to me, and it was all done in good spirit," he added.