IND vs ENG 5th Test: Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley make historical past, become first opening pair to achieve this feat vs India | Cricket News

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett of England (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley proceed to shine as England’s most prolific opening pair towards India in Test cricket. The duo stitched their eighth 50-plus partnership towards India on Day 2 of the fifth Test at The Oval, surpassing the legendary West Indian pair Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes, who managed eight such stands.

Most 50+ partnerships for an opening pair vs India in Tests

8* – Zak Crawley & Ben Duckett (ENG)8 – Gordon Greenidge & Desmond Haynes (WI)7 – Alastair Cook & Andrew Strauss (ENG)7 – Matthew Hayden & Justin Langer (AUS)7 – Bill Lawry & Bob Simpson (AUS) The 936* runs scored by Duckett and Crawley throughout 18 innings is now the very best by an England opening pair towards India, overtaking the 932-run mark held by Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss in 20 innings. Their newest stand of 51 got here in simply seven overs — matching the quickest fifty by any crew towards India within the first innings of a Test. Australia beforehand achieved the identical within the 2011/12 WACA Test.

Earlier within the day, England’s bowlers put up a scientific efficiency to bowl India out for 224. Gus Atkinson was the standout performer, bagging his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests. He completed with figures of 5 for 33 in 21.4 overs, together with eight maidens. Josh Tongue supported effectively with 3 for 57.

India, resuming on 204/6, misplaced their final 4 wickets for simply 20 runs within the first half-hour of the day. Karun Nair top-scored with 57, whereas Washington Sundar made 26. England’s robust begin and Duckett-Crawley’s type give the hosts a agency grip within the remaining Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy sequence.