Ben Duckett Leads England Against Sri Lanka

Ben Duckett showcased remarkable batting skills on the first day of the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval, scoring 86 runs off 79 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Despite England losing an early wicket, Duckett built a strong partnership with Ollie Pope, who contributed 14 runs, leading the team to a solid position of 76-1 before play was interrupted by bad light. Duckett's aggressive approach reflects a stark contrast to traditional opening strategies, as he is known for rarely leaving balls outside off-stump, with a career leave percentage of just 1.7%. His innings ended with an ambitious scoop shot that resulted in his dismissal, but he had already established a commanding presence on the pitch. Overall, Duckett's performance has been pivotal in England's bid for their sixth consecutive Test victory, as they currently lead the series 2-0. Sri Lanka's bowlers struggled to adapt, allowing Duckett to capitalize on their mistakes throughout his innings.