England Remains Optimistic About Ben Duckett’s Thumb Injury Amidst First Test Challenges

England‘s cricket team remains hopeful that opening batsman Ben Duckett will be able to participate in the third day of the first Test match in Multan. The 29-year-old cricketer sustained a thumb injury while attempting a catch to dismiss Pakistan‘s number 11, Abrar Ahmed. Despite being sidelined initially, team officials have indicated that he could be fit to bat following overnight assessment.

Pace bowler Brydon Carse commented on Duckett’s condition, stating, “Ben’s OK. He’s just taken a knock. He’ll be assessed overnight and he’ll be back batting tomorrow.” The left-handed batsman was unavailable to take his place at the crease during England’s response to Pakistan’s formidable total of 556 runs.

In Duckett’s absence, Ollie Pope was promoted to open the innings. However, his stint was short-lived as he was dismissed for no score. Nevertheless, England’s Zak Crawley and Joe Root managed to bring stability to the innings, concluding the day at 96-1. Duckett, an integral part of the England squad since his recall in 2022, has an impressive tally of 1,718 runs, ranking just below Joe Root among England players.

In the case Duckett is unable to participate further, Jordan Cox, who remains uncapped, stands as the alternative batter in the squad. Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes, recovering from a hamstring injury, has been engaging in practice sessions, indicating his possible return, though he has missed four consecutive Tests so far.

England’s tour has faced further hurdles, with pace bowler Josh Hull already ruled out due to a quad injury. Olly Stone will shortly leave the team to return to the UK for personal reasons, further straining England’s pace bowling options. Consequently, Matthew Potts remains the likely choice for an additional seamer in subsequent matches.

The Pakistan innings presented a substantial challenge for England. Pakistan accrued a score exceeding 500, an achievement that would daunt many team’s bowling attacks. Nevertheless, England’s bowlers persevered, with Brydon Carse claiming his first Test wickets by dismissing Naseem Shah and Ameer Jamal.

Pakistan’s tail wagged effectively, with significant contributions from Salman Agha, who notched up a century. His innings was marred by missed opportunities in the field from England, particularly a missed stumping off Joe Root’s bowling, followed by a dropped catch from Gus Atkinson.

With the day’s play concluding, England was tasked with chasing a steep total. Zak Crawley, displaying fluency in his innings, reached fifty off just 55 balls, hitting ten boundaries, including two emphatic cover drives against Shaheen Shah Afridi. England closed the day with a measure of stability but still trailing by 460 runs.

The unfolding Test match has revealed both strengths and vulnerabilities within the England squad, prompting strategic reassessments as they continue their series in challenging conditions in Multan.