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IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Ben Duckett, the England left-handed opener, launched a relentless assault on Indian bowlers during the final session of Day 1 in the 3rd India vs England Test of the ongoing series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on February 16 (Friday). In an exhibition of what has been coined ‘BazBall,’ representing England’s newfound aggressive Test playing style under coach Brendon McCullum, Duckett reached a century off a mere 88 balls, setting the record for the fastest hundred by an England batter against India in Test cricket.
India resumed their innings on Day 2 of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test, starting from their overnight score of 326-5, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. However, the English bowlers quickly made inroads, dismissing both batsmen, and India found themselves at 331-7 in a potential collapse. The situation was stabilised by wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, contributing 46 and 37 runs, respectively. Jasprit Bumrah also played a brief yet impactful innings, adding 26 runs off 28 balls, guiding India’s total to 445-10.
India Get A Taste Of England’s ‘BazBall’
Unfazed by India’s score, England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fearlessly embraced the ‘BazBall’ approach from the outset, with Duckett particularly showcasing aggressive intent. While Crawley succumbed to Ashwin’s spin expertise, Duckett continued his assault, effortlessly dispatching Indian spinners and pacers to all corners of the ground.
Demonstrating a batting masterclass, Duckett’s daring stroke play, notably his skillful sweeping off the spinners, propelled him to his third Test century in a mere 88 balls. This achievement marked the fastest century by an English batter against India in the history of Test cricket. Duckett surpassed the record earlier held by England’s former cricketer, Graham Gooch, who achieved the milestone in 95 balls back in 1990.
Against the backdrop of Ravichandran Ashwin’s milestone of claiming his 500th Test wicket, Duckett’s explosive batting took centre stage, infusing a ray of hope for England to take the lead in the series, which is currently tied at 1-1.
Duckett remains unbeaten at 132 from just 117 deliveries, showcasing a remarkable innings that includes 21 fours and two sixes. At the close of play on Day 2, England stand at 207-3 after 35 overs, with Duckett’s aggressive and prolific batting steering them towards a strong position in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test in Rajkot.
