Ben Duckett’s Coach Wants ICC To Take Strict Against Akash Deep For ‘Unacceptable’ Gesture

During the Test series’ heated finale, Ben Duckett’s coach, James Knott, publicly demanded a sanction for the bowler’s controversial send-off.

August 9, 2025: The fiery Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England concluded with one of its most controversial moments, as India pacer Akash Deep put his arm around England batter Ben Duckett after dismissing him. The gesture, which many cricket pundits found aggressive, has now drawn a call for an ICC sanction from Duckett’s childhood coach, James Knott.

The incident occurred during the first innings of the fifth and final Test at The Oval. After a feisty on-field exchange where Duckett reportedly challenged Akash Deep to get him out, the Indian bowler finally succeeded in dismissing the opener. As Duckett walked back to the pavilion, Akash Deep wrapped his arm around his shoulder in a move that some saw as playful, but others deemed inappropriate.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was among the critics, stating he “would have probably punched” Akash Deep had he been in Duckett’s shoes. Ponting, however, praised Duckett’s calm reaction.

Adding to the chorus, coach James Knott told the TimesofIndia.com that while the series was competitive, Akash Deep’s action “certainly needs a sanction to discourage youngsters” from repeating it. Knott praised Duckett for being a “hard man to bowl at” and a competitive player who had a successful series, scoring 462 runs at an average of 51.33.

The moment was a microcosm of a series filled with on-field drama, which included heated exchanges between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley, and a rejected handshake from England captain Ben Stokes.