Brashna Kasi
Ben Duckett Shines as England Respond to Pakistan’s 366
Ben Duckett demonstrated a remarkable comeback after overcoming a thumb dislocation, scoring a quick half-century as England began their reply to Pakistan’s 366 in the second Test in Multan. As of tea on day two, England reached 88 for 1, trailing Pakistan by 278 runs with nine wickets in hand. Duckett’s performance provided a solid foundation for England’s innings, showcasing his resilience and skill on the field.
Duckett’s Quick-fire Fifty
Duckett reached his 12th Test half-century in just 47 balls, a commendable effort that helped England make significant progress. His aggressive batting style provided a boost to the England side, eager to respond following their innings victory in the first Test of the three-match series. At tea, Duckett was batting on 53, while Ollie Pope, who remained at the crease, contributed five runs.
- Duckett hit seven fours during his quick innings, increasing the pressure on a Pakistan bowling attack that relied heavily on one frontline seamer, Aamer Jamal.
- The opener faced early challenges, including a narrow escape from a run-out when he advised Zak Crawley to return after a close call, just before Sajid Khan aimed for the stumps.
Crawley’s Short Stay at the Crease
Zak Crawley’s innings was cut short after scoring 27 runs. His luck ran out after initially surviving a leg-before-wicket call, which he successfully overturned. However, Crawley could not hold his ground much longer and was caught behind off Noman Ali, marking a disappointing end to a promising start.
Pakistan’s Tail End Frustrates England
Before Duckett’s notable innings, Pakistan’s tail put up a strong fight, adding 107 runs to their total. After resuming at 259-5, the lower order, including Jamal and Noman, frustrated England’s bowlers. Their partnership added 49 runs for the ninth wicket, crucially extending Pakistan’s lead.
- Brydon Carse ended Jamal’s resistance first ball after lunch, taking three wickets for 50 runs.
- Jack Leach contributed significantly with the ball, finishing with figures of 3-114, including the wicket of Noman, who was dismissed after scoring 32 runs.
Key Moments from Pakistan’s Innings
- Mohammed Rizwan, who scored 41 runs, was caught behind early in the day by Jamie Smith, marking a slow start for Pakistan.
- Matthew Potts, another England seamer, took two wickets, including the crucial edge off Salman Agha, leaving Pakistan at 302-7.
Looking Ahead in the Series
As the Test match progresses, England will aim to capitalize on their strong position. Leading the series 1-0, the team is focused on securing a comprehensive victory. The performance of Duckett, alongside contributions from other key players, will be pivotal as England looks to maintain their momentum in Multan.
With the upcoming days of the match promising exciting cricket, fans will be eagerly watching to see if England can build on Duckett’s spirited innings and strengthen their hold in the series against Pakistan
