IND vs ENG, 3rd Test, Day 2: Duckett Ton Blazes Trail as Visitors Respond Sharply to India’s 445

Rajkot: England Opener Ben Duckett unleashed a scintillating hundred, the fastest by an Englishman against India, propelling England to a formidable 207/2 at stumps on day two of the third Test against India in Rajkot. Duckett’s blistering 133 runs, achieved in just 88 balls, spearheaded England’s aggressive response after dismissing India for 445 earlier in the day. His partnership with Joe Root, who remained unbeaten at 9 runs, enabled England to score briskly, trailing India by 238 runs.

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin reached a significant milestone, becoming only the second Indian bowler to claim 500 wickets in Test cricket, dismissing Zak Crawley for 15.

The day also witnessed a promising debut by wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel, who contributed a solid 46 runs in his maiden international appearance.

India began the day at 326/5, with Jadeja and night-watchman Kuldeep Yadav at the crease. However, quick wickets saw them stumble to 331/7 before Ashwin and Jurel steadied the innings. Later, some late innings fireworks from Jasprit Bumrah powered India to 445.

Mark Wood, making a comeback, impressed with figures of 4/114 in 27.5 overs for England.

Brief scores: England (1st innings): 207/2 in 35 overs (Ben Duckett 133*) trail India (1st innings): 445/10 in 130.5 overs (Rohit Sharma 131, Ravindra Jadeja 112, Sarfaraj Khan 62; Mark Wood 4/114) by 238 runs.