England’s Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley put up a historic performance on Day 5 of the first Test against India at Leeds, stitching together a remarkable 188-run opening stand. This partnership not only gave England a commanding start but also broke several long-standing records.
It now stands as the highest-ever opening partnership in the fourth innings of a Test match against India. Additionally, it set a new benchmark for the highest fourth-innings opening stand at Headingley and ranks as the second-best such partnership for England overall. The pair looked unstoppable until Crawley was dismissed in the 43rd over, caught at first slip off Prasidh Krishna’s bowling.
Duckett’s Dominance Over Indian Attack
Ben Duckett played a central role in England’s batting show. Having already scored 62 in the first innings, he carried that form into the second, taking on the Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj with confidence.
In the first innings, Duckett’s composed knock helped maintain England’s aggressive scoring momentum, featuring nine boundaries before Bumrah finally bowled him out. But Duckett wasn’t done. In the second innings, he showed even greater intent, tormenting Indian bowlers with a wide array of shots, quickly accelerating into the 90s.
A dramatic moment came when Duckett, on 97, attempted to reach his century with a powerful pull shot. Unfortunately for India, the ball went straight to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who dropped a regulation catch—his fourth miss in the match. Duckett was granted a golden opportunity and didn’t let it go to waste.
A Memorable Century Amid Cloudy Skies
With a second life, Duckett reached his hundred in style, reverse-sweeping the ball to the boundary. He celebrated by leaping in joy and punching the air, acknowledging the crowd under the overcast Headingley skies. This innings was not just a personal milestone but a significant feat in England’s cricketing history. It marked the first century by an English opener in the fourth innings of a Test match since Alastair Cook’s unbeaten 109 against Bangladesh in 2010.
Remarkably, this was also Duckett’s first ever century in a second innings, adding more weight to his contribution. His aggressive yet composed batting gave England the momentum and belief they needed in an ambitious chase.
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