‘We didn’t think they were going to play like that’ – Ben Duckett surprised by India’s aggressive approach on Day 1

England opener Ben Duckett revealed that their side was left surprised with the attacking approach of the Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma during Day 1 of the first Test at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Notably, after bundling out England for 246, Indian openers came out all guns blazing and put on a massive 80-run stand for the first wicket off 74 balls.

Jaiswal, playing his first Test in India looked at his aggressive best as he raced to 76 off 70 balls smashing nine fours and three sixes. Reflecting on the day’s play for England, opening batter Ben Duckett stated that they could’ve easily had 3-4 wickets in the Indian innings but were caught off guard with their positive approach.

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“We could have easily had three or four [wickets] there tonight and it could have been very different. The way they played at the top was quite positive, and that’s fair play to them. I don’t think we necessarily thought they were going to come out and play like that, but Stokesy [Ben Stokes] got us to what we think was an above-par score. They don’t always go about it like that, so to go about it that way shows that they probably think that pitch is going to get quite a bit worse,” was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Further speaking ahead, the 29-year-old lauded Jaiswal for his aggressive intent and hoped to bundle out India as quickly as possible on Day 2.

“I think he played beautifully. These are home conditions [for India] and you’d expect nothing less of their lads than to play well out here. Even the wicket to get Rohit, they were looking quite set with those two and then that happened. Fingers crossed, if moments like that happen tomorrow, we can stick three or four [wickets] on them and you never know. If we can keep them to around our score, or even a little bit of a lead, I think we’re right in the game,” he added.

Ben Stokes’ 70 guided England to 246

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Notably, after opting to bat first, Duckett (35 off 39) got England off to a great start along with Zak Crawley (20 off 40) adding 55 runs for the first wicket. However, the Indian bowlers pulled things back quickly and reduced the visitors to 155/7. From there on, captain Ben Stokes batted with the tail and played a brilliant knock of 70 (88) to help his side reach 246.

In reply, India finished the day on 119/1 after 23 overs with Jaiswal (76* off 70) and Shubman Gill (14* off 43) trailing England by 127 runs.

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