In the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy first Test match at Headingley, Leeds, England defeated India by five wickets thanks to Ben Duckett’s graceful half-century in the first innings and his aggressive tonne in the second.
England needed their in-form opener to step up as they chased a challenging goal of 371 in the fourth innings, and he did just that. The southpaw hit 21 fours and one six as he hammered 149 off just 170 balls. His strike rate at the end was 87.64.
Ben Duckett was praised by former England fast Steve Harmison, who said the Farnborough native believed he would play a game-winning innings. However, Harmison pointed out that India’s plans for the 30-year-old were off-target and they didn’t think they would be able to fire Duckett.
“Ben Duckett did a fantastic job. Harmison told ESPNcricinfo, “He thought he was going to play a match-winning knock.”
“Ben Duckett thought that he was going to score runs.” Like always, he was full of good intentions. I doubt that India thought they would be able to free him. I don’t believe India’s plans were sound. They didn’t bowl him the proper lengths or lines, in my opinion. “And he took advantage of it,” Harmison continued.
According to the cricket player-turned-expert, India was unable to prevent Ben Duckett from scoring. Additionally, he commended England’s ability to catch singles even when the Indian bowlers bowled good deliveries.
“They were unable to respond. They lacked a strategy to prevent him from scoring. They lacked a strategy and were essentially clueless on how to carry out their skill set in their plan. They weren’t stopping singles even on the field. England was receiving singles while India’s bowlers were bowling nice balls, Harmison remarked.
With eight days till the second Test starts on Wednesday, July 2 at Edgbaston in Birmingham, India will try to regroup.
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