Ben Duckett: England Can Overcome Pakistan’s Pressure

Ben Duckett believes Pakistan is feeling the pressure and could “crumble,” despite the home side holding a stronger position at the end of day two in the second Test in Multan. Duckett’s century (114) helped England reach 211-2 in response to Pakistan’s 366, but off-spinner Sajid Khan turned the game around, taking three crucial wickets in a quick collapse that left England at 239-6.

Duckett, speaking to Test Match Special, emphasized the importance of the first session on day three, saying, “If we can bat for as long as possible and get close to their total, I think we will actually be favorites.” England has been confident having completed a 3-0 series sweep in Pakistan two years ago and winning the first Test in this series with a record-breaking chase.

Pakistan under pressure after the loss made changes including dropping star batter Babar Azam and reusing the pitch from the first Test. They also added three frontline spinners including Sajid Khan, who made an immediate impact. Sajid playing his first first-class match since January removed Joe Root, Ben Duckett and Harry Brook in the space of 10 deliveries giving Pakistan the upper hand.

Despite the challenges, Duckett remains optimistic about England’s chances, saying, “If we can get close to Pakistan’s total and bowl well in the second innings, we’ll be in a good position.” He acknowledged that the pitch would spin more as the game progresses but believes that if England can limit Pakistan’s lead to around 200, they will have a strong chance in a fourth-innings chase.