In a thrilling display of dominance, left-handed opener Ben Duckett etched his name in the annals of cricket history by smashing the fastest Test century by an England batsman in India. As the sun set on Day Two of the third Test at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Duckett's blitzkrieg propelled England to a formidable 207/2 in just 35 overs, narrowing the gap with India to 238 runs.
Duckett's aggressive approach left the Indian bowlers grasping at straws as he unleashed a flurry of strokes, amassing an unbeaten 133 runs off a mere 118 balls. His innings, embellished with 21 boundaries and two towering sixes, put India on the defensive from the outset. Whether dispatching short deliveries with disdain or elegantly driving full-length balls through the covers, Duckett exhibited a masterclass in batting proficiency.
England's innings got off to an unconventional start, accruing six runs before a legitimate delivery was bowled, courtesy of a penalty incurred by the Indian batters for encroaching into the danger area. Despite early movement from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Duckett's intent was unmistakable, as he blazed to 19 runs off just 22 deliveries by tea.
After the interval, Duckett escalated his assault on the Indian bowling attack, employing sweeps, drives, and reverse-sweeps with surgical precision. His partnership with Zak Crawley flourished, punctuated by aggressive stroke play that rattled the hosts. However, Crawley's departure marked a momentous occasion for Ravichandran Ashwin, who claimed his 500th Test wicket, emulating the legendary Anil Kumble.
Undeterred by occasional threats from Bumrah, Duckett's onslaught persisted, culminating in a scintillating century off a mere 88 balls, the third-fastest by a visiting batsman in India. Ollie Pope provided valuable support with a brisk 39, before succumbing to Siraj's bowling. Duckett and Joe Root added vital runs before the day's play concluded, with Duckett surviving a late LBW scare.
Earlier in the day, Ashwin and debutant Dhruv Jurel bolstered India's total with a resilient eighth-wicket stand, propelling the hosts to a formidable 445 runs. Despite England's early breakthroughs, Ashwin's sublime stroke play and Jurel's composed innings kept India's aspirations of a 400-plus total alive.
However, England's persistence eventually paid dividends, as wickets tumbled in the post-lunch session. Ashwin's departure marked a turning point, followed by Jurel's valiant effort being curtailed by a brilliant catch from Ben Foakes. Bumrah provided some late fireworks before falling to Mark Wood's cunning bowling, bringing an end to India's innings.
As the battle intensifies, both teams will look to seize the momentum in what promises to be a riveting contest in the days to come.
Brief scores:
India 445 all out in 130.5 overs (Rohit Sharma 131, Ravindra Jadeja 112, Sarfaraz Khan 62; Mark Wood 4-114, Rehan Ahmed 2-85) lead England 207/2 in 35 overs (Ben Duckett 133 not out, Ollie Pope 39; Ravichandran Ashwin 1-37, Mohammed Siraj 1-54) by 238 runs
