Lahore, Feb 22 (UNI) Ben Duckett’s superb 165 propelled England to 351/8 against Australia in the Champions Trophy, setting a new record for the highest total in the tournament’s history here on Saturday.
The total surpassed New Zealand’s 347/4 against the USA at The Oval in 2004, with other notable scores including Pakistan’s 338/4 against India in the 2017 final, India’s 331/7 against South Africa in 2013, and England’s 323/8 against South Africa in 2009.
Opting to bowl first, Australia struggled in the first 30 overs as Duckett and Joe Root (68) dominated proceedings, leaving Steve Smith’s side short of answers. However, Adam Zampa dismissed Root, and the momentum shifted as England’s middle order faltered.
Harry Brook (3) and Jos Buttler (23) failed to capitalise, while Liam Livingstone (14) fell after a brief start. Labuschagne’s part-time spin proved effective in the death overs, as he picked up Duckett and Brydon Carse. Jofra Archer’s late cameo (21*) helped England cross the 350-mark.
Ben Dwarshuis (3/64) and Zampa (2/56) were the pick of the Australian bowlers, while Labuschagne’s 2/43 proved crucial in slowing the scoring.
Root, speaking at the innings break, acknowledged the tricky nature of the surface, which he believed would aid England’s bowlers in tightening their grip on the Australian batting lineup.
“We gave ourselves a great opportunity. The wicket kept low, and we had to adjust. Now, it’s about making it difficult for them to find their timing and play freely,” he said.
With 352 to chase, Australia will need a strong start, though the slowing track might pose a challenge.
