India’s fast bowler Akash Deep was promoted in the batting order as a nightwatchman on two occasions on the recently concluded England tour. On both occasions, Deep was able to do his job. At Lord’s, Deep was dismissed after managing a solitary run by Ben Stokes in the second innings but he did his job of keeping KL Rahul off-strike.

At the Kennington Oval, Deep was able to survive when he joined forces with Yashasvi Jaiswal as a nightwatchman. On the next day, the right-hander adopted an aggressive approach and played a crucial knock of 66 runs to put India in a dominant position. Deep was able to add 107 runs with Jaiswal to strengthen India’s lead in the second innings.

The pacer revealed the plan was to bat for time and he took an aggressive approach after noticing the England bowlers were getting frustrated.

Deep said the lower-order was not contributing as there were collapses throughout the series and he wanted to contribute to the team.

“We realised that the lower-order was not contributing for the team (with the bat), and it becomes important because if we even score 15,20, or 30 runs towards the end, then chances are that the team becomes a top side in Test cricket. So, when I was sent out as a night watchman, all of this was on my mind, and I realised that it was an excellent opportunity to stay out there and do something for the team,” Akash Deep said in an interview with RevSportz.

“My plan was to bat for as long as possible, was not thinking too much about runs, the time was the main focus, only that was going on in my mind. Then I observed that they were getting frustrated and trying too hard, and that is when I thought that there is a good chance to score some runs as well.” he added.

Akash Deep will next play in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.