England opener Ben Duckett showcased his batting prowess on Day 2 of the ongoing second Ashes Test at Lord’s. With a clinical bowling performance by the English pacers in the morning session, the hosts exerted pressure on the Australian bowlers in their characteristic aggressive ‘Bazball’ style, led by Duckett.
Duckett’s aggressive knock played a crucial role in maintaining momentum in England’s favor while keeping the Aussie bowlers at bay. The left-handed batter appeared to be well on his way to an outstanding century, displaying his skill and determination.
However, Duckett’s innings took a turn for the worse when the touring party resorted to short-ball tactics. He fell victim to a well-executed short delivery from Josh Hazlewood, lobbing the ball into the hands of David Warner at fine leg, agonizingly two runs short of what could have been a remarkable century.
It is worth noting that Duckett had recently achieved his maiden Test century in the first week of June against Ireland, where he smashed a brilliant knock of 182 runs. Despite that significant achievement, the Kent batter deemed his 98-run innings against Australia as his best.
“At the start of the day I’d have been over the moon if I was offered 98 but falling so close to scoring three figures here at Lord’s, yeah I’m obviously gutted about that. But I thought it was certainly my best innings in an England shirt,” said Duckett in the post-day press conference.
🗣 “Certainly my best innings in an England shirt”
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“I’d have been gutted with myself if I’d gone away from it and gone into my shell and gloved one to the keeper behind. For three or four overs leading up to that I felt so comfortable hitting it for ones, and 10 metres either side of him (Warner) there I’d have got a hundred,” he added.