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Fans erupt as Ben Duckett lights up Lord’s with splendid century during ENG vs IND 3rd ODI

Fans erupt as Ben Duckett lights up Lord’s with splendid century during ENG vs IND 3rd ODI



Ben Duckett produced one of the finest ODI innings of his career, smashing a brilliant century to put England in complete control against India in the series-deciding third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday. The left-handed opener reached his hundred in 108 deliveries, combining composure with aggression in a knock that thrilled the packed crowd at the iconic venue and drew widespread praise from fans on social media.

Duckett’s innings arrived at a crucial moment for England after the series was level at 1-1. Having managed just 43 runs in the opening ODI before falling for a golden duck in the second game, the opener answered his critics in emphatic fashion with a flawless display of strokeplay.

Lord’s rises to applaud Ben Duckett’s memorable milestone

The landmark moment came on the second ball of the 36th over when Gurnoor Brar dropped short, allowing Duckett to rock back and dispatch a commanding pull shot to the boundary. As the ball raced away for four, the England opener completed his fourth ODI century. Duckett celebrated with a fist pump before removing his helmet and raising both bat and helmet to acknowledge the standing ovation from the Lord’s crowd. The applause reflected the quality of an innings that was built with patience early on before accelerating once he settled at the crease.

His century featured 15 boundaries and showcased his ability to rotate the strike while punishing loose deliveries. With India’s bowling attack missing Jasprit Bumrah due to injury, Duckett capitalised on the opportunity and rarely looked troubled throughout his stay at the crease. The hundred was particularly significant as it marked his maiden ODI century against India, adding another milestone to an already memorable afternoon in London.

Record-breaking opening stand with Jacob Bethell ends long wait

Duckett’s brilliance was complemented by Jacob Bethell, who continued his impressive rise with a superb innings of 91. Together, the pair stitched together a commanding 192-run opening partnership that laid the perfect platform for England’s innings. Although Bethell narrowly missed out on what would have been his maiden ODI century, his contribution proved equally valuable as the duo consistently frustrated India’s bowlers with excellent shot selection and smart running between the wickets.

Their stand also created history at Lord’s. It became England’s first century opening partnership at the venue in ODI cricket since 2010, ending a 16-year wait for a three-figure opening stand at the Home of Cricket. The partnership allowed England to dictate terms from the outset, placing India under sustained pressure during the must-win encounter.

Cricket fans were quick to celebrate Duckett’s remarkable turnaround after a mixed start to the series. Many praised the opener for responding in style when England needed him the most, while others admired the maturity with which he constructed the innings before accelerating toward his century.

Also WATCH: India and England players pay heartfelt tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers during the 3rd ODI at Lord’s

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Here’s why Jasprit Bumrah is not playing today’s 3rd ODI against England





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