Xtra Time Web Desk: England opener Ben Duckett’s explosive century (133 not out off 118 balls) outshone Ravichandran Ashwin’s historic achievement of 500 test wickets as the visitors utilized their aggressive Bazball strategy to finish day two at 207/2, putting the hosts on the back foot in the third Test at Rajkot. Ashwin reached the milestone by dismissing Zak Crawley (15) in the final session, joining Anil Kumble in this elite club.
However, Duckett stole the show with his third Test century, reaching 133 not out off 118 balls, showcasing powerful strokes and flirting with the possibility of breaking a century record. England, reducing their first-innings deficit, trail India by 238 runs, who had posted 445 in their initial innings. Duckett’s hundred off just 88 balls was the fastest hundred by an England batter in tests against India in India.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin withdraws from the 3rd Test due to family emergency
Despite Ashwin’s milestone, England’s aggressive batting continued to trouble India’s bowlers. Duckett, initially tentative, accelerated to his fifty in just 39 balls. The introduction of spin briefly slowed him down, but he regained momentum, putting the Indian bowlers under pressure.
A pivotal moment arose when Bumrah’s yorker seemed to dismiss Duckett, but a successful DRS review showed a bottom-of-the-bat connection. India, facing a challenging third day, lost a DRS appeal against Ollie Pope, ending the day with only one review remaining.
Earlier, India’s lower order, led by debutant Dhruv Jurel (46) and Ashwin (39), added valuable runs, reaching 445 before being bowled out. Jurel’s uppercut off Mark Wood’s delivery was a highlight, contributing to a crucial 77-run partnership with Ashwin. Bumrah (28) and Siraj (3) added a quick 30-run stand, delaying England’s return to the field.
For more sports news: Click Here