Ben Duckett Century vs India, England have drawn first blood in the five-match Test series as Ben Duckett’s magnificent century powered the visitors to a stunning five-wicket win over India. While the pitch at Hyderabad looked tame on Day 5, the Indian bowling attack was anything but threatening. What started with five brilliant centuries across India’s batting lineup ended with a defeat that left fans and cricket pundits shell-shocked.
As England chased down a daunting 371-run target with surprising ease, one thing became clear: India’s bowling unit looked alarmingly out of depth, especially against the aggression and confidence of Ben Duckett and his partners in crime.
Duckett’s Defining Knock
If there were ever doubts about Ben Duckett’s ability to perform in the subcontinent, those were shattered with his sublime 149 off just 170 deliveries. The left-hander unleashed a barrage of strokes, including 21 boundaries and a jaw-dropping reverse-swept six off veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja.
Duckett’s approach was fearless. Along with Zak Crawley, who contributed a solid 65, the pair stitched together a 188-run stand that laid the perfect foundation for England’s chase. Even when wickets fell, the pressure never mounted. Joe Root’s calm 53 and Jamie Smith’s bold 44 ensured there were no late stumbles. This wasn’t just a chase it was a clinical dismantling of India’s famed bowling attack on their home turf.
Captain Shubman Gill’s Trial by Fire
Ben Duckett Century vs India, The defeat was a bitter pill for Shubman Gill, who began his journey as India’s Test captain with high hopes. While his individual batting wasn’t the focus, the leadership decisions from field placements to bowling changes raised questions. Dropping multiple catches, ordinary ground fielding, and lack of a cohesive bowling strategy were glaring issues. The lack of experience and chemistry among the bowlers was painfully evident.
Sunil Gavaskar, speaking on Sony Sports, didn’t hold back:
Despite five centurions, India failed to press home the advantage. The fielding wasn’t Test class. And the bowlers, apart from Bumrah, didn’t keep things tight. England simply had more hunger to win.
India’s Five Centuries
Ben Duckett Century vs India, It’s rare for a team to post five individual centuries across innings and still end up losing. Yet that’s exactly what happened. Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal all scored tons but without enough support from the lower order and bowlers, their efforts faded into disappointment.
The moment India’s second innings folded, it felt like the momentum had shifted. A chase of 371, though difficult, wasn’t impossible. Ben Duckett Century vs India, And England proved that.
Only Bumrah Stood Tall
Ben Duckett Century vs India, On a pitch that didn’t do much for pacers, Jasprit Bumrah still found ways to make an impact. His tight spells and reverse swing posed threats but without support from the other end, he was a lone warrior. Mohammed Siraj leaked runs, Ashwin looked pedestrian by his standards, and even Jadeja usually a match-winner in home Tests failed to create pressure. The absence of consistent wicket-taking spells was India’s undoing.
Gavaskar noted:
Bumrah bowled brilliantly, but he needed someone to keep things tight from the other end. That’s where India lacked bite.
The Cost of Complacency
One of the biggest talking points post-match was India’s fielding. Dropped catches, misfields, and lazy ground efforts gave away too many easy runs. Test cricket, especially against a side as aggressive as England, doesn’t allow such lapses. England capitalized on every opportunity. India did the opposite.
Gavaskar’s Blunt Advice
Ben Duckett Century vs India, In a sharp remark, Ben Duckett Century vs India, Sunil Gavaskar urged the Indian team to rethink their approach to practice.
You’re here to play for India. This isn’t club cricket. Leave the optional practices aside and train hard. Give yourself the best chance to win.
He stressed that while a couple of days off were fine, serious practice needed to follow if India wanted to make a comeback in the next Test.
Lessons for Team India
With eight days left before the second Test, India have a lot to introspect. Here are some immediate takeaways:
- Tighter Bowling Plans: India must support Bumrah with disciplined bowling. Bringing in someone like Mukesh Kumar or a fresh spinner may help.
- Catching Practice: Fielding drills need to be a priority. Missed chances are turning into match-defining moments.
- Better Leadership Decisions: Gill must learn quickly. Field placements, bowling rotations, and team morale will play a key role in the comeback.
- Lower Order Contributions: India’s tail must wag. Test matches are won with those crucial 30-40 run cameos.
England’s Bazball Evolution
Ben Duckett Century vs India, Credit must go to England’s game plan. The aggressive Bazball style was not reckless but controlled. Duckett didn’t just swing at every ball he picked the gaps and toyed with the field Joe Root anchored Smith brought energy. Even the England bowlers, despite conceding five centuries, stuck to their plans and bounced back with key wickets.
A Wake-Up Call, Not a White Flag
Ben Duckett Century vs India, India’s loss in the first Test is undoubtedly disappointing, but it’s not the end of the road. This is a five-match series, and comebacks are always part of the Test cricket script. Shubman Gill and his team have the talent but now it’s about mindset, intensity, and execution. England have set the bar high. Now it’s time for India to respond.
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