NEW DELHI: England’s opener Ben Duckett made history on Day 2 of the second Test against Pakistan in Multan by becoming the fastest batter to reach 2,000 Test runs in terms of balls faced. Duckett’s stellar innings of 114 runs off 129 balls, featuring 16 boundaries, marked not only a significant personal milestone but also a vital contribution for England during a challenging day in the match.
Surpassing the Previous Record
Duckett’s achievement broke the previous record held by New Zealand’s Tim Southee, who reached the 2,000-run mark in 2,418 balls. Duckett accomplished this feat in just 2,293 deliveries, outperforming renowned batters such as Australia’s Adam Gilchrist (2,483 balls), India’s Virender Sehwag (2,759 balls), and Rishabh Pant (2,797 balls).
Duckett’s Impactful Performance
In response to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 366, Duckett and his opening partner Zak Crawley provided England with a solid start, amassing 73 runs in just 12 overs. Duckett displayed remarkable skill against spin, employing sweeps and reverse sweeps to effectively disrupt Pakistan’s bowling attack. His fourth Test century came with apparent ease, showcasing his aggressive style of play.
Furthermore, Duckett formed another crucial partnership of 52 runs with Ollie Pope, further consolidating England’s position in the match.
A Dramatic Turn of Events
Despite Duckett’s impressive individual performance, England experienced a dramatic collapse later in the day. Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan mounted a stunning fightback, dismantling England’s middle order with a remarkable four-wicket haul. His spell included key dismissals of Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook, which left England in a precarious situation.
Duckett, who had seemed untouchable throughout his innings, ultimately fell to a sharply turning delivery, nicking one to slip while attempting to drive. His dismissal left England vulnerable at 239/6 by the close of play, raising concerns about their ability to recover from the collapse.
Conclusion
Ben Duckett’s record-setting innings has etched his name in the annals of cricket history. As the fastest batter to reach 2,000 Test runs, he has not only showcased his talent but also provided England with a crucial performance amidst challenging circumstances. As the Test progresses, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see if England can rally and turn the tide against a resilient Pakistan side.
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