Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley continue to shine as England’s most prolific opening pair against India in Test cricket. The duo stitched their eighth 50-plus partnership against 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 across 18 innings is now the highest by an England opening pair against India, overtaking the 932-run mark held by Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss in 20 innings. Their latest stand of 51 came in just seven overs — matching the fastest fifty by any team against India in the first innings of a Test. Australia previously achieved the same in the 2011/12 WACA Test.
Earlier in the day, England’s bowlers put up a clinical performance to bowl India out for 224. Gus Atkinson was the standout performer, bagging his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests. He finished with figures of 5 for 33 in 21.4 overs, including eight maidens. Josh Tongue supported well with 3 for 57.
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India, resuming on 204/6, lost their last four wickets for just 20 runs in the first 30 minutes of the day. Karun Nair top-scored with 57, while Washington Sundar made 26. England’s strong start and Duckett-Crawley’s form give the hosts a firm grip in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.