Completely bonkers Records tumble as Ben Duckett smashes 133 against India in third Test
Ben Duckett blasted an unbeaten 133 in England’s first innings of the third Test, as Bazball arrived in India
In reply to India’s 445, Duckett smacked 21 fours and two sixes to guide England to 2-207 at stumps, still trailing India by 238.
Duckett scored his century off just 88 balls. His was the quickest hundred by an England batter against India, beating Graham Gooch’s 95-ball century in 1990.
Duckett also became the first visiting batter to score 100-plus runs within a test session on Indian soil.
To make matters worse for the home side, off-spinner Ravi Ashwin has been forced to withdraw from the match due to an undisclosed family emergency.
He had taken his 500th Test wicket only hours before, when Zak Crawley top-edged a sweep and was caught at a short-ish fine-leg.
The nature of the emergency wasn’t disclosed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, but it said it and the team fully supported Ashwin “in these challenging times.”
“The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family,” it said in a statement. “The health and wellbeing of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time.
“The board and the team will continue to provide any necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep the lines of communication open to offer support as needed. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of the fans and media during this sensitive period.”
His withdrawal leaves India with 10 men for the next three days and reliance on remaining spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav to slow down and stop England.
Earlier, Ashwin admitted Duckett’s aggression had put his side under pressure.
“England are showing a lot of intent, and playing like they would in an ODI or T20 game,” Ashwin said.
“The game is in the balance and they are putting us under pressure.”
Joe Root is the other not-out batter at stumps.
Zak Crawley scored 15 of the opening stand of 89 when he was caught at fine leg for Ashwin’s milestone wicket. Ashwin became the ninth man to 500 in test history.
“It has been a long journey, and I would like to dedicate this feat to my father,” Ashwin said.
“He has been with me through thick and thin, probably had a heart attack every time he has watched me play.”
Ollie Pope (39) was the other batter out, trapped by Mohammed Siraj.
Earlier, India resumed its first innings on 5-326 and lost Yadav in the fourth over of the morning, caught behind off James Anderson for 4.
The bigger blow came six balls later — century-maker Jadeja offered a simple return catch to Root. Jadeja was out for 112, adding only two more runs to his total. Overall, he faced 225 deliveries and hit nine fours as well as a six in his second test hundred at his home ground.
After the drinks break, Ashwin was penalised by umpire Joel Wilson for running onto the danger area of the pitch, and England was awarded five penalty runs. That meant it started its first innings 0-5.
India reached lunch at 7-388 thanks to a 57-run partnership between Ashwin and debutant Dhruv Jurel for the eighth wicket. After lunch, Jurel survived two dropped catches as he made his way to 46. His was the third highest score for an India keeper-batter on test debut.
Jurel was eventually caught behind off Rehan Ahmed, who finished with 2-85.
Overall, Ashwin and Jurel combined for 77 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah scored 26 and frustrated the visitors with a final 30-run partnership with Siraj.
India’s innings ended just before tea when Mark Wood dismissed Bumrah lbw to finish with 4-114.
The five-match series is level at 1-1.
