Ben Duckett raced to his first half-century in India on the second day at Rajkot, but there was some criticism of Rohit Sharma over his delayed introduction of off-spinner R Ashwin.
Ben Duckett has performed admirably in the series so far, scoring at least 20 runs in every inning, although he did not score any statement runs. He improved, at least in his first tour to India, where he scored 18 runs in three innings, but was dismissed by Ashwin each time.
He was also dismissed twice by R. Ashwin in this series, making it the fifth of Duckett’s seven dismissals against the great Indian official.
This time, Duckett first faced India’s top pair, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, then left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Ashwin was introduced in the 12th match, when Duckett had already scored 55 runs off 42 balls. Duckett immediately looked uncomfortable and had to defend himself before forcing the pair into cover. In the next over, Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley to reach his 500th Test wicket.
Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan described Rohit’s reticence towards Ashwin as “crazy”.
“Duckett is doing great,” Vaughn wrote in X. “I love watching him bat. But it’s crazy how he managed to cross 50 without facing Ashwin.”
“England have made a good start,” he added. “No surprise. What’s surprising is that Ashwin hasn’t bowled yet. It’s quite remarkable.”
This is brilliant from Duckett .. love watching him Bat .. But how he has been allowed to get to over 50 without facing Ashwin is bonkers .. #INDvENG
– Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) 16. 2024 年 2 月
England have made a positive start .. no surprise .. The Surprise is that Ashwin hasn’t bowled yet .. Quite remarkable .. #INDvENG
– Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) 16. 2024 年 2 月
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