MULTAN: Left-handed opener Ben Duckett on Wednesday, revealed England’s plans to force a result in the ongoing first Test against Pakistan, stating that his side eyes to secure a “significant lead”.
The first Test of the three-match series between Pakistan and England, currently underway at Multan Cricket Stadium, is heading towards a draw as the touring side are still trailing by 64 runs in the first innings.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan piled up a humongous 556 all out on the back of centuries from skipper Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and Salman Ali Agha.
England, famous for their aggressive approach in Test cricket, in response, dominated Pakistan bowlers and came in touching distance to the home side’s first innings total by accumulating 492/3 by the end of the third day.
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Experienced batter Joe Root was unbeaten on 176 while batting prodigy Harry Brook was well set on 141.
Meanwhile, England’s opening batter Ben Duckett expressed his optimism that the visitors will try to force a result and pinned high hopes on the deteriorated day five pitch.
“I think we will keep batting tomorrow as well. We have a whole day. We need to go past their score with a significant lead and then we will have one day to bowl them out on a day five pitch that might give us some spin and inconsistent bounce,” said Duckett.
Ben Duckett, who could not open the innings yesterday due to a finger injury, played a pivotal role in England’s fightback with a 75-ball 84 which featured 11 boundaries.
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