Table of Contents
The Rajkot Test between England and India took an exhilarating turn on Day 2 as both teams displayed exceptional resilience with the bat. After a splendid opening day featuring centuries from Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, it was England’s Ben Duckett who stole the spotlight on the second day, ensuring that his team remained firmly in contention despite India posting a formidable total.
Dhruv Jurel and Ravichandran Ashwin display resilience
Resuming their innings at 326/5, India faced an early setback with the dismissal of Jadeja. However, Ravichandran Ashwin and Dhruv Jurel stepped up to the challenge, crafting a brilliant partnership to keep the visitors on the backfoot. Jurel contributed 46 runs, while Ashwin played a crucial knock of 37 runs. The late flourish from Jasprit Bumrah (26) further bolstered India’s innings as they eventually reached a mammoth score of 445. Mark Wood emerged as the highest wicket-taker for England, claiming four wickets, with Rehan Ahmed also chipping in with two.
England’s response: Ben Duckett’s breathtaking century
Facing a daunting target, England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Duckett, once again showcased impressive partnership skills. Although Crawley departed early, Duckett emerged as the hero of the day with a sensational century. Notably, he became the fastest English batter to reach a ton on Indian soil, achieving the milestone in just 88 balls. Ollie Pope offered valuable support after Crawley’s departure, contributing 39 runs before being dismissed.
Duckett’s dominance
Duckett’s innings was nothing short of spectacular as he maintained a steady scoring pace. His ability to find the gaps and play aggressive yet calculated shots kept England’s hopes alive. Teaming up with Joe Root (9*), Duckett ensured that further wickets did not fall, guiding England to a strong position with a score of 207/2 by the end of the day.
Also READ: Fastest to 500 Test wickets in terms of balls; Ravichandran Ashwin at No. 2
Indian bowlers’ efforts
Despite England’s resilience, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj managed to pick up a wicket each for India. The bowlers tried to break the Duckett-Root partnership, but the English duo remained steadfast, denying the hosts any further breakthroughs before stumps were called.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Wow .. now that’s a Test 100 .. it’s up with anything you have seen .. Ben Duckett is some player to watch .. #INDvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 16, 2024
Ben Duckett you beautiful human
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) February 16, 2024
A hundred from 88 balls…
The fastest 💯 for England v India
2nd fastest by an England opener
3rd fastest v India in IndiaTake a bow, @BenDuckett1! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/UfUZqzN8Ne
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 16, 2024
BOOM! Sensational century by @BenDuckett1 off just 88 balls. Fourth fastest Test ton by an England batsman and fastest ever in India. Yet another Bazball-inspired rampage, and so thrilling to watch. Love this team & philosophy so much. pic.twitter.com/iU6pmYhneO
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 16, 2024
Ben Duckett, Played a blinder..!!
The Indian attack who has dominated almost every best batsman in this world in these conditions is getting dominated by Duckett. You can't stop praising this Incredible 💯 even you are a indian fan 🫡pic.twitter.com/hq4sjmcWBT
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) February 16, 2024
The Ben Duckett who’s gone to India in 2024 chatting with the Ben Duckett who went to India in 2016 would be such a fascinating Netflix show. One of the truly remarkable Test innings ever played by a visitor on Indian soil #IndvEng
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 16, 2024
The more you watch this English team the more you marvel at the kind of self belief they have. Ben Duckett has batted with ridiculous ease. I mean, in a session they’ve scored close to 200 runs! #INDvsENG
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 16, 2024
What a appreciable knock by Ben Duckett hundred in just 88 balls in a bazball style dangerous🔥💯#INDvsENGTest #BenDuckett pic.twitter.com/yQMr7E9aK4
— Yash k_335 (@335Yash) February 16, 2024
BEN DUCKETT SHOW IN RAJKOT…!!! 🔥
A century in just 88 balls with 19 fours and a six. What a counterattacking knock by Duckett, lethal striking throughout the innings. pic.twitter.com/PgqCPClcwp
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 16, 2024
Ben Duckett in this innings alone has played more sweeps and reverse sweeps than the combined output of Indian batters in the last two years.#INDvsENG #INDvsENGTest
— Manoj Dimri (@manoj_dimri) February 16, 2024
Most of our batsmen play survival game and on the other hand, England batsmen play scoring game.
Ben Duckett is just an example of this. pic.twitter.com/95X2T932vN
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) February 16, 2024
Ben Duckett gives India a proper taste of Bazball.🔥🏴
He’s Playing against Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah 😳#BenDuckett #RavichandranAshwin #INDvENG #INDvsENG #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/PYBuBPDSjC
— Rishabh Singh Parmar (@irishabhparmar) February 16, 2024
88 balls. 19 fours. 1 six. Ben Duckett's 3rd test century is one we'll remember for a while 👌 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/DtQ70OY6q0
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) February 16, 2024
Somebody tell Duckett this is a test match😵💫😵💫#INDvsENG
— Anuj Jhawar (@anujjsays) February 16, 2024
England is showing how to put pressure on a team which is unbeaten at home since 2012. No matter how the result goes , many teams touring india in future will try and follow the same formula from now on. Not sure the dominance at home will continue the way it did all these days.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) February 16, 2024