Historic Partnership: Duckett and Crawley Shine at Headingley

Remarkable Performance by England's Openers

Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley have etched their names in cricket history at Headingley. Chasing a daunting target of 371 set by India, this opening pair accomplished a feat that no English duo had achieved since 1984 in the fourth innings. On the final day of the Test, Indian bowlers struggled to contain Duckett and Crawley, both of whom reached their half-centuries and propelled England closer to their goal.

Duckett and Crawley's Record-Breaking Partnership

The duo's century partnership marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind for an English pair in the fourth innings at Headingley since 1984. Back then, Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge set a record with a 106-run partnership. As the report was compiled, Duckett and Crawley had already amassed 140 runs for the first wicket without losing a wicket. Duckett, in particular, displayed remarkable form, reaching his half-century in just 66 balls.

Duckett's Landmark Achievement

Ben Duckett has now become the second English opener in three decades to score a fifty in both innings of a Test match at Headingley. Following his impressive 62 runs in the first innings, he continued his strong performance with another half-century in the second. This achievement makes him the first English opener in the last decade to score fifties in both innings at this venue, with Alastair Cook being the last to do so in 2015. Duckett's consistent form allowed him to dominate the Indian bowlers effortlessly.