In a uncommon and nerve-jangling second on Day 2 of the fourth Take a look at at Previous Trafford, England opener Ben Duckett narrowly averted what might have been one of the weird dismissals in fashionable Take a look at cricket. The incident happened in the course of the second over of England’s innings, with younger Indian debutant Ankush Kamboj steaming in from the James Anderson Finish.
Ben Duckett survives shut name as bat practically hits stumps on Day 2 of Manchester Take a look at
Sharing the brand new ball alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Kamboj bowled a supply simply outdoors off stump that tempted Duckett right into a lower shot early in his innings. In an try and carve the ball sq. on the off-side, Duckett shuffled throughout his crease to make room, however fully mistimed his shot. Not solely did he fail to attach with the ball, however the bat additionally slipped out of his palms mid-swing. In a split-second flip of drama, the bat flew backward and landed dangerously near the stumps.
The whole crowd held its breath because the bat thudded to the bottom, simply brushing previous the leg stump, lacking it by inches. Had it clipped the stumps even barely, it might have led to a rare hit-wicket dismissal, sending shockwaves via the English camp. Duckett instantly rotated in shock, realizing how lucky he was. His expression stated all of it, a mixture of reduction and disbelief. Even the Indian fielders had been momentarily surprised, as was Kamboj, who appeared bemused by what had simply transpired in solely his second over of Take a look at cricket. The incident drew a pant from the commentators and a murmur of amusement from the Manchester crowd, a lot of whom clapped in appreciation of the sheer unpredictability of the second.
Right here’s the video:
Coronary heart-in-mouth stuff for Ben Duckett… 🫣
The England opener practically drops his bat onto his personal stumps – have you ever ever seen that earlier than?! pic.twitter.com/ylcRPDciNe
— Sky Sports activities Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 24, 2025
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England dominate Day 2 with aggressive begin after India put up aggressive 358
Day 2 of the Manchester Take a look at belonged largely to England as their openers got here out blazing in response to India’s first-innings complete of 358. After a gritty Indian batting show, highlighted by Rishabh Pant’s brave fifty with a fractured foot and a five-wicket haul from Ben Stokes, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett launched a counterattack that left India reeling. Duckett was notably aggressive, reaching his fifty in simply 46 balls and persevering with to seek out boundaries at will. Crawley, extra composed however equally efficient, partnered for a mammoth 166-run opening stand earlier than falling to Jadeja for 84. Duckett in the end scored 94 earlier than gifting his wicket to Kamboj by falling on a unfastened shot as England reached over 200. India’s bowling lacked penetration, with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj going wicketless and unable to make any affect.
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