Can Duckett and Crawley Keep England's Hopes Alive?
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Synopsis
In a gripping contest at Headingley, England's openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, are determined to achieve a record chase of 371 runs in the first Test against India. Their partnership not only showcases their skill but also reignites the hopes of the home team. Will they succeed in this thrilling showdown?
Key Takeaways
- Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley are crucial for England's chase.
- The pair has a remarkable partnership history.
- India's bowlers struggled to take wickets despite good spells.
- The conditions favored batting over bowling.
- England needs 254 runs more for victory.
Leeds (UK), June 24 (NationPress) In an impressive display, England's opening batsmen Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley successfully navigated the entire first session on the concluding day of the first Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley, keeping their team's hopes alive for a remarkable chase of 371 runs.
At the lunch break, the hosts stood at a strong 117 for no loss, requiring an additional 254 runs in 66 overs, with all wickets remaining intact. Despite the overcast conditions and a pitch that provided assistance, India struggled during this session, finishing without a wicket, even after probing efforts from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Duckett (64*) and Crawley (42*) not only marked their fourth century partnership but also became the first English opening duo since Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss to accumulate over 2,000 runs together.
The pair began cautiously, particularly against the new ball under the floodlights, but once Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur were introduced, they found their rhythm. Duckett accelerated the scoring with a series of boundaries, reaching his fifty off just 66 balls with a blend of graceful strokes—primarily cuts and pulls—along with a few daring scoops.
India's best opportunity materialized late in the session when Bumrah induced a leading edge from Crawley, but he missed a sharp one-handed return catch diving to his left. Earlier, Crawley survived an lbw review from Siraj, where the ball tracking indicated it would have gone over the leg stump. Although the bowlers, especially Bumrah, applied pressure, a lack of support from the field and missed chances allowed England to maintain control.
Despite predictions of rain, the first session proceeded without interruption, although the grey skies and bright floodlights created ideal bowling conditions. Nevertheless, it was the English openers who capitalized, setting the stage for a thrilling second and third session where all four outcomes remain possible, hinting at an epic conclusion.
Brief Scores: India 471 and 364 in 96 overs (KL Rahul 137, Rishabh Pant 118; Josh Tongue 3-72, Brydon Carse 3-80) lead England 465 and 117/0 in 30 overs (Zak Crawley 42 not out, Ben Duckett 64 not out) by 254 runs
Point of View
I observe the match with a sense of anticipation. England's openers are demonstrating remarkable skill against formidable Indian bowling. Their partnership could define the outcome of this Test, and with so much at stake, it reflects the essence of cricket—unpredictable and thrilling.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the target set for England in the first Test?
The target set for England in the first Test was 371 runs.
Who are the opening batsmen for England?
The opening batsmen for England are Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley.
How many runs did Duckett score?
Ben Duckett scored 64 not out at the lunch break.
What is the significance of Duckett and Crawley's partnership?
Their partnership is significant as it marks their fourth century stand and they are the first English opening pair to score over 2,000 runs together since Cook and Strauss.
Did India take any wickets during the session?
No, India did not take any wickets during the session, finishing it wicketless.
