The second day of the Rajkot Test between England and India witnessed a thrilling turn of events as both teams showcased remarkable batting resilience. Following an impressive display on the opening day, highlighted by centuries from Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, England’s Ben Duckett emerged as the standout performer, ensuring his team stayed competitive despite India’s imposing total.
Starting their innings from 326/5, India encountered an early setback with the departure of Jadeja. However, Ravichandran Ashwin and Dhruv Jurel rose to the occasion, forming a remarkable partnership that kept the visitors under pressure. Jurel contributed 46 runs, while Ashwin’s valuable knock yielded 37 runs.
The legendary India bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s late surge with 26 runs further fortified India’s innings, culminating in a substantial total of 445. The England pacer Mark Wood emerged as England’s leading wicket-taker with four dismissals, supported by Rehan Ahmed’s two. The highlight of the Indian innings were the performance from India skipper Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja as well as innings from debutants Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan.
Ben Duckett becomes the fastest Englishman to score a Test century against India. pic.twitter.com/YVeOIeD0Mx
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 16, 2024
England’s response was powered by Ben Duckett
Facing a challenging target, England’s opening batsmen, Zak Crawley and Duckett, once again displayed their adeptness in building partnerships. Although Crawley’s departure came early, Duckett emerged as the standout performer of the day, notching up a remarkable century. He notably became the quickest English batsman to reach a century on Indian soil, achieving the feat in a mere 88 deliveries.
Following Crawley’s exit, Ollie Pope provided crucial support with a contribution of 39 runs before falling to dismissal. Duckett’s innings was nothing short of spectacular, characterized by consistent scoring and calculated aggression. His adeptness in finding gaps and playing aggressive yet controlled shots buoyed England’s prospects. Alongside Joe Root (9*), Duckett ensured that further setbacks were avoided, guiding England to a commanding position with a score of 207/2 by day’s end.
Despite England’s resilience, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj each managed to claim a wicket for India. The Indian bowlers made attempts to disrupt the Duckett-Root partnership, but the English duo remained resolute, thwarting any further breakthroughs until the day’s play concluded.
Let us look at how Twitter reacted to this fightback from England;
England ahead in the game. Hope we will comeback tomorrow
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) February 16, 2024
This Bazball has taken Test Cricket to new heights. These English players are real promoter of the game and doing well for revival of Test Cricket. Their goal is to make Test cricket more exciting for viewers and they have served a great entertainment so far
— Cricket Wala (@asghar_muh88722) February 16, 2024
Duckett 88 balls hundred make the difference
— Cricket Wala (@asghar_muh88722) February 16, 2024
Bazball for reason
— Nikhil (@NikhilP2601) February 16, 2024
England toh T20 World ki tayari kr raha hai ?
— Cricket Wala (@asghar_muh88722) February 16, 2024
Duckett is playing some really good cricket. Double century loading for him.?
— Aarushi Joshi (@Aarushijoshii) February 16, 2024
Well played England
— Its_deeja (@Its_deeja23) February 16, 2024
Bazball is on ??
— Faisal Jahangeer (@FaisalJahange15) February 16, 2024
