Ben Duckett Injury Can’t Stop England’s Record-Breaking

Ben Duckett faced significant challenges two days ago, suffering a dislocated thumb as England battled the sweltering heat of Multan during the first Test against Pakistan while a stand-in captain also failed to score. Questions loomed over their preparation, Ben Stokes’ hamstring, and the absence of a reserve opener after Josh Hull’s injury. Bowling consultant James Anderson had only just arrived from a golf trip in Scotland.

However, 48 hours later, England delivered a record-breaking response, putting them on the verge of a remarkable victory. This impressive turnaround came after a disappointing end to their summer, marked by a loss to Sri Lanka and criticism aimed at Harry Brook. Coach Brendon McCullum maintained a “no excuses” mentality, pushing his players to commit fully without complaint about the conditions.

England spent 149 overs in the field after losing the toss but displayed remarkable resilience. Brook’s stunning innings, scoring a triple-century in just 310 balls, placed him among an elite group in English cricket history. This marked the first triple-century for England since Graham Gooch’s 333 in 1990. Brook’s success in Pakistan contrasts sharply with his performance in the UK having amassed 785 runs in four Tests there.

He partnered with Joe Root, who became England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer and helped establish a record 454-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Meanwhile, Pakistan struggled with their fielding and batting, showcasing their recent poor form. Despite being four wickets shy of a win by the end of day four, England is likely to secure victory quickly allowing their bowlers to rest for the upcoming second Test.

With Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes contributing, England is poised for further success as they embrace the enduring spirit of Test cricket.