IND vs ENG 5th Test: Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley make history, become first opening pair to achieve this feat vs India

Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley continue to shine as England’s most prolific opening pair against India in Test cricket. The duo stitched their eighth 50-plus partnership against India on Day 2 of the fifth Test at The Oval, surpassing the legendary West Indian pair Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes, who managed eight such stands.

Most 50+ partnerships for an opening pair vs India in Tests

8* - Zak Crawley & Ben Duckett (ENG)8 - Gordon Greenidge & Desmond Haynes (WI)7 - Alastair Cook & Andrew Strauss (ENG)7 - Matthew Hayden & Justin Langer (AUS)7 - Bill Lawry & Bob Simpson (AUS)

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

The 936* runs scored by Duckett and Crawley across 18 innings is now the highest by an England opening pair against India, overtaking the 932-run mark held by Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss in 20 innings. Their latest stand of 51 came in just seven overs — matching the fastest fifty by any team against India in the first innings of a Test.

Australia previously achieved the same in the 2011/12 WACA Test.

Earlier in the day, England’s bowlers put up a clinical performance to bowl India out for 224. Gus Atkinson was the standout performer, bagging his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests. He finished with figures of 5 for 33 in 21.4 overs, including eight maidens. Josh Tongue supported well with 3 for 57.

India, resuming on 204/6, lost their last four wickets for just 20 runs in the first 30 minutes of the day. Karun Nair top-scored with 57, while Washington Sundar made 26. England’s strong start and Duckett-Crawley’s form give the hosts a firm grip in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.