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Key Points

Ben Duckett etched his name in England cricket history with a match-defining performance at Headingley. The explosive opener became only the second Englishman after Alastair Cook in 30 years to score twin fifties in a Headingley Test. His unbeaten century came after a dramatic reprieve on 97 when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a crucial catch. Duckett's heroics included a match-saving knock that drew comparisons to Cook's legendary 2010 performance against Bangladesh.

Key Points: Ben Duckett Joins Alastair Cook in Rare England Opener Test Feat

  • Duckett scored 62 & 100* against India at Headingley
  • Joins Cook as only England openers with twin 50+ scores in 30 years
  • Survived dropped catch on 97 to reach century
  • First England opener with 4th innings Test ton since Cook in 2010
2 min read

Ben Duckett becomes second England opener to achieve elusive Test milestone in 30 years

England's Ben Duckett becomes second opener in 30 years after Alastair Cook to score twin 50+ scores in a Headingley Test against India.

"He made the most of the second opportunity and pulled out a reverse sweep... sending the ball racing past the boundary - Match Report"

Leeds, June 24

England's flamboyant batter Ben Duckett became only the second opener after former captain Alastair Cook in 30 years to score twin 50-plus scores in a Headingley Test.

In the series opener between India and England, Duckett took the mantle of weathering the early threat from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to provide an ideal platform for England to dominate the proceedings. He hammered 62 in the first innings and then powered his way to a blistering century before it started raining cats in Leeds.

In the first innings, Duckett maintained England's healthy scoring rate with his composed 62(94), laced with nine boundaries, before Bumrah rattled the timber to punch his return ticket.

Duckett continued to torment India Test captain Shubman Gill and his troops with his malicious intent. He ensured the tourists continued to endure a torrid time on the field with his smorgasbord strokeplay.

The explosive southpaw continued to pile runs on the board swiftly and moved into the 90s within the blink of an eye. Duckett attempted to bring up his century in style by pulling the ball away. He took the aerial route but dispatched it straight towards Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The young southpaw, guilty of spilling three chances in the first innings, was culpable yet again. With eyes fixated on the ball, Jaiswal positioned himself but floored it, allowing Duckett to enjoy an unprecedented lifeline on 97, leaving Siraj completely dismayed.

He made the most of the second opportunity and pulled out a reverse sweep from his loaded arsenal to send the ball racing past the boundary rope for a four. Duckett leapt in the air and punched his fist in jubilation under the cloudy sky of Headingley.

As Duckett experienced euphoria, this was the first century by an England opening batter in the fourth innings of a Test since Cook's unbeaten 109 against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2010. His unbeaten ton is also his first second-innings century.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Duckett played brilliantly, but our fielding let us down again! Jaiswal dropping catches has become a pattern now. 🇮🇳 Team needs to work hard on fielding standards if we want to compete at the highest level. Still, credit where it's due - Duckett's reverse sweeps were class!
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Priya M.
What an innings by Duckett! 👏 But why does our bowling attack look toothless whenever the ball stops swinging? Bumrah can't do everything alone. We need more variety in our pace attack, especially when playing overseas.
A
Arjun S.
England's batting approach is refreshing to watch, but our bowlers need to adapt better. Duckett showed how to play our pacers - wait for the bad ball and punish it. Time for some strategic changes from team management!
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Sneha R.
While Duckett played well, let's not forget this is just one match. Our boys will bounce back stronger! 💪 Remember how we dominated at home. Test cricket is all about patience and persistence.
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Vikram J.
That dropped catch at 97 was the turning point! In Test cricket, these small moments make big differences. Hope Jaiswal learns from this - he's talented but needs to be more consistent in the field.
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Neha P.
England's aggressive batting is exciting, but I miss the days when Test cricket was about grit and determination. Duckett played well, but is this 'Bazball' approach sustainable in all conditions? 🤔

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