IND vs ENG: Ben Duckett slams third fastest Test century from a visiting batter on Indian soil

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In a dazzling display of aggressive batting, England opener, Ben Duckett, slammed a scintillating century on day two of the third Test match against India at the SCA Stadium in Rajkot on Friday (February 16).

Duckett's remarkable innings marked his third Test century overall and his maiden century on Indian soil, showcasing his prowess as a dynamic and attacking batter.

Ben Duckett Enters An Elite Club In Test Cricket

Duckett's century came in a blazing fashion as the left-handed batter from Kent took a mere 88 balls to reach the coveted milestone, making it the third-fastest century by a visiting batsman in Test cricket on Indian soil.

It was also the fastest Test century for England against India as he surpassed the previous record held by legendary Graham Gooch, who slammed a 100 off 95 balls at Lord's in 1990.

From the outset, Duckett - playing his 18th Test - displayed his menacing touch, peppering the boundary with an array of exquisite strokes, including 20 fours and a commanding six. He looked unfazed against Indian spinners, as well as pacers, and punished them equally.

Fastest Test centuries scored by England players outside their home country (number of balls faced):

1. Harry Brook - Rawalpindi 2022 - 80 balls
2. Zak Crawley - Rawalpindi 2022 - 86 balls
3. Kevin Pietersen - Port of Spain 2009 - 88 balls
4. Ben Duckett - Rajkot 2024* - 88 balls
5. Ollie Pope - Rawalpindi 2022 - 90 balls

Fastest Test centuries scored against India in India (number of balls faced):

1. Adam Gilchrist - Mumbai WS 2001 - 84 balls
2. Clive Lloyd - Bengaluru 1974 - 85 balls
3. Ben Duckett - Rajkot 2024* - 88 balls
4. Ross Taylor - Bengaluru 2012 - 99 balls

Ben Duckett Gets Applauded For Sensational Ton

The English southpaw hit a boundary off Mohammed Siraj that propelled him past the triple-figure mark. His achievement was met with resounding applause from both the English camp and the fervent crowd.

Notable among Duckett's admirers was Indian opener Shubman Gill, who himself had delivered a match-winning century in the second Test in Vizag. Gill joined in the chorus of appreciation as Duckett scripted his name in the record books with a display of audacious strokeplay reminiscent of Gilbert Jessop's record-breaking innings.

Ben Duckett pushes India on the back foot

Duckett's celebration encapsulated the sheer joy and elation of his monumental achievement, with a triumphant fist pump, a jubilant punch of the air, and the symbolic removal of his helmet. His teammates, including Ollie Pope, joined in the jubilation, as Duckett savoured the momentous occasion, marking his maiden century on Indian soil in grand style.

Earlier in his innings, Duckett survived a close call against the lethal yorkers of Jasprit Bumrah, a testament to his resilience and determination at the crease. Despite the nail-biting moments, Duckett's explosive batting propelled England into a dominant position in the game, leaving India on the back foot and setting the stage for a riveting contest ahead.