India vs England LIVE, 1st Test, Day 5: Not Jasprit Bumrah, 6’1 Star Dents England Twice, Gives India Hope
When Day 5 of the first Test between India and England began, the odds heavily favored the visitors. With a modest target of 231 to chase and a deep batting lineup that includes the explosive Ben Duckett, England was expected to cruise. But cricket, like life, has its beautiful uncertainties. And in this instance, it wasn’t Jasprit Bumrah who stole the show — it was a 6’1 speedster who cracked England’s top order twice and breathed life back into India’s sagging hopes.
Ben Duckett: England’s Aggression Personified
Ben Duckett has become the face of England’s Bazball philosophy — aggressive, proactive, and relentless. With his nimble footwork and fearless stroke play, he’s been pivotal in redefining England’s approach to Test cricket. Coming into Day 5, Duckett had already established himself as a threat, carving out boundaries with authority and disrupting bowlers’ lines.
However, aggression has its risks.
Twice in the match, Duckett found himself undone by deliveries that teased his instincts and exploited the smallest chinks in his technique. Not by Bumrah or Siraj, but by a quieter force who let his seam do the talking.
Ben Duckett Enter the 6’1 Game-Changer: Mukesh Kumar
It was Mukesh Kumar — not the headline-grabbing Bumrah or Siraj — who changed the tone of Day 5. Standing tall at 6’1, Mukesh’s style isn’t about express pace but controlled seam, movement, and heart.
Why Mukesh Kumar Worked Against Ben Duckett
- Controlled Line and Length: Unlike bowlers feeding Duckett’s strength on the pads or short wide balls, Mukesh consistently hit a probing off-stump line.
- Slight Seam Movement: On a Day 5 pitch offering variable bounce and seam, Mukesh utilized subtle deviations that tested Duckett’s patience.
- Mental Pressure: After Duckett’s initial flurry, Mukesh pulled him back with dot balls and frustration, leading to a misjudged stroke.
His dismissal of Duckett for the second time in the match brought the Indian crowd alive and gave India belief again. England were 78/3, and suddenly, the target looked a bit steeper.
Ben Duckett’s Struggles in Asian Conditions
Duckett’s aggressive nature has won him accolades, but subcontinental pitches haven’t always been kind. Against quality seamers and spinners who operate with guile rather than brute force, Duckett has often struggled to balance aggression with caution.
Ben Duckett’s Performance in India (Test Matches):
| Opponent | Matches | Runs | Average | Dismissals by Seamers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 4 | 164 | 23.4 | 5 |
This trend is worrying for England, especially since Duckett often sets the tone for the innings. When he falls early, it disrupts the rhythm and forces the middle order to recalibrate.
India’s Fightback: Not Just One Man’s Show
Mukesh may have dented England twice, but the fightback was a team effort. Bumrah bowled tight, Jadeja spun a web, and debutant Jurel made sure no edge went unpunished behind the stumps. What stood out was India’s belief.
Even while defending a small total, the team held their nerve and refused to roll over. Every run defended, every appeal made, and every fielding effort showed a team that hadn’t given up.
Ben Duckett : Key Moments on Day 5
- Duckett’s Dismissal: Set the tone early. England went from cruise control to damage control.
- Joe Root’s Misjudged Sweep: Caught off Jadeja, this put pressure on the middle order.
- Stokes’ Cautious Stay: A reflection of the changing mindset as the target remained distant.
Ben Duckett and the Bazball Dilemma
England’s aggressive approach to Test cricket, termed “Bazball,” has worked wonders in flatter conditions. But the challenges in India are different. Turning tracks, slow bounce, and crafty seamers like Mukesh Kumar demand adaptability.
The Bazball Question: Ben Duckett
- Can aggression survive in testing subcontinental pitches?
- Should players like Duckett curb natural instincts for survival?
It’s a balancing act. While England’s style brings excitement, Day 5 exposed its vulnerabilities. A few more overs of patience, a few fewer risky shots — and the outcome might’ve tilted in their favor.
Lessons for Both Teams Ben Duckett
For England:
- Reassess Shot Selection: Especially against slower seamers and spinners.
- Ben Duckett Needs a Plan B: A backup when Plan A (aggression) doesn’t work.
- Middle Order Reinforcement: Stability when openers fail is vital.
For India:
- Back the Unheralded Heroes: Like Mukesh, who may not have the stardom but deliver crucial breakthroughs.
- Be Bold with Tactics: Aggressive fields, early bowling changes — Day 5 proved that boldness pays off.
- Trust Youth: Debutants and fringe players held their own and should get longer runs.
Final Thoughts: The Test is Still Alive
With wickets tumbling and tension rising, Day 5 reminded us why Test cricket remains the pinnacle. It wasn’t just about runs or wickets, but mental battles, strategies, and seizing moments.
And while Ben Duckett may reflect on what could have been, Mukesh Kumar will remember this as the day he changed the tide of a Test.
📣 What’s Next?
India have opened the door. Can they storm through and win it? Or will England’s tail wag long enough to steal a result?
We want to hear from you:
- Should Duckett change his approach in Asia?
- Is Mukesh Kumar the real deal?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe for more Test match insights, analysis, and exclusive content.
Stay tuned — cricket drama is far from over!
