Why didn't Ben Duckett open the batting for England against Pakistan during Multan Test?

Pakistan were bowled out for 556 post-tea on 2nd day of the first Test in Multan. England batter Ben Duckett sustained an injury while fielding. This meant that the left-handed batter didn’t come out to open for his team. Skipper Ollie Pope walked out to bat with Zak Crawley and this was the first time Pope had opened the batting. 

The injury occurred when Ben Duckett took the catch to dismiss Pakistan’s last man Abrar Ahmed. Cameras panned to Duckett holding his thumb and squirming in pain. This is a huge blow for the visiting side who have their backs against the wall. The home team saw Agha Salman score a ton to help his side score over 500 runs. 

🚨 Ben Duckett won't be opening the innings for England. #PAKvsENG pic.twitter.com/ph9oxa4UHo

— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) October 8, 2024

Ollie Pope was out for a duck when he was caught by Aamer Jamal to give Naseem Shah his 1st wicket of the day. Former England skipper Joe Root came out at number 3 to join Zak Crawley towards the end of 2nd day of play. 

Pakistan posts 556 runs on the board in the Multan Test

Shan Masood and his side batted well to score 556 runs on the board and were bowled out post Tea on 2nd day. Jack Leach was the best bowler with 3 wickets for 160 runs from 40 overs. Gus Atkinson and debutant Brydon Carse picked 2 wickets each. Chris Woakes, Joe Root, and Shoaib Bashir picked 1 wicket each for England. 

For the home team, the highest scorer was Shan Masood who scored 151 off 177 balls with 13 fours and 2 sixes. This is his Shan Masood’s fifth Test century and his first in over four years. Incidentally, his last ton was against England in 2020 where he had scored 156 which is his best score in Test cricket. 

Opener Abdullah Shafique was out for 102 runs before he was dismissed by Gus Atkinson. His knock came off 184 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes. The opening batter reached the three-figure mark with a huge six. 

Agha Salman was not out on 104 off 119 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes. The Pakistani batter was given not out in controversial fashion. Chris Woakes was deemed to have his feet on the ground behind the ropes while attempting to take the catch.