Akash Deep‘s fearless approach as a nightwatchman in the Oval Test against England proved to be a masterstroke. Sent by India in during the waning minutes of Day 2, he defied convention by not just surviving, but thriving. In the morning session of Day 3, the 28-year-old repaid the team management’s faith by smashing his maiden Test fifty. Eschewing a purely defensive mindset, Deep played to his natural strengths, punishing loose deliveries with aggression and precision.
ENG vs IND: Akash Deep’s heroic maiden fifty at The Oval
Akash vital partnership with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for the third wicket was the cornerstone of India’s fightback. The milestone moment arrived in the 38th over when Deep dispatched a boundary off Gus Atkinson. The raw emotion was palpable: he pumped his fist, pointed proudly to the Indian crest on his jersey, and raised his bat to a roaring ovation. The celebration wasn’t limited to the field; as captain Shubman Gill took off his helmet and rushed to the balcony to applaud the momentous achievement.
Deep combined with opener Jaiswal to forge a pivotal 107-run partnership, which was instrumental in helping India erase their first-innings deficit and putting them in a commanding position to chase a series-leveling victory. This performance is second only to the highest score by an Indian nightwatchman, Amit Mishra’s defiant 84 against England at the same venue in 2011. Mishra’s knock was a display of sheer resilience, but it ultimately came in a losing cause as India, following on in the third innings, eventually succumbed to an innings and eight-run defeat.
Top 5 highest scores by Indian nightwatchmen in Tests since 2000
1) 84 – Amit Mishra v England, The Oval, 2011
Mishra’s exceptional innings of 84 is the highest ever by an Indian nightwatchman in Test cricket. It occurred during the fourth and final Test of India’s disastrous 2011 tour of England. After being bundled out for a paltry 300 in their first innings, India was forced to follow-on. Coming in at the close of Day 3, Mishra, a genuine number 9 batter, displayed remarkable grit and technique. He batted for 146 balls, occupying the crease for over three hours, and struck 10 fours. His valuable partnership with Sachin Tendulkar, who also scored a half-century, was a highlight. Despite Mishra’s defiant knock, India was eventually all out for 283, losing the match by an innings and eight runs, completing a 4-0 series whitewash.
2) 66 – Akash Deep v England, The Oval, 2025
In a crucial moment during the fifth Test of the 2025 series against England, Akash produced a career-defining performance. As the nightwatchman on Day 2, he walked out to bat with India in a precarious position. On Day 3, he frustrated the English bowlers with a spirited and aggressive knock of 66. His innings, which came off just 94 balls, included 12 fours and was instrumental in building a massive 107-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal. This was his maiden Test half-century and his highest score in first-class cricket. His heroics not only helped India erase the first-innings deficit but also put them in a commanding position to win the match and level the series.
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3) 50 – Amit Mishra v Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2010
Mishra makes a second appearance on this list with a well-crafted 50 against Bangladesh in the first Test of the 2010 series. With India having a first-innings lead, Mishra was sent in as a nightwatchman and provided much-needed stability to the middle order. He came to the crease after the dismissal of Virender Sehwag and built a solid partnership with Gautam Gambhir. He faced 70 balls, hitting 6 fours, and his composed innings was vital in India setting a massive target. His fifty, along with his four wickets in the second innings, earned him praise as India won the match by 113 runs.
4) 46 – Irfan Pathan v Australia, Perth, 2008
Irfan Pathan‘s 46 at the WACA in Perth in 2008 is remembered as a nightwatchman innings that was crucial to one of India’s most memorable Test victories. Batting in India’s second innings with a lead of 118 runs, Pathan was sent in to see out the day. He showed immense courage and composure, lasting 111 balls against a fearsome Australian pace attack. His innings allowed the senior batsmen to rest and was key to India building a substantial lead that Australia couldn’t chase. Pathan’s all-round contribution, which also included a Man of the Match-winning performance with the ball, solidified his place in Test cricket folklore.
5) 43 – Murali Kartik v Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2000
Murali Kartik’s innings of 43 was significant as it came in Bangladesh’s inaugural Test match in 2000. On a day where India lost early wickets, Kartik was sent in as a nightwatchman and provided much-needed resilience. He showed immense patience and concentration, batting for 119 balls and striking five boundaries. His innings was vital in steadying the ship for India and building a platform for the middle order. India went on to win the Test match by nine wickets, and Kartik’s brave and unselfish knock played a key role in their dominant performance.
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