England raced to 50 in just 4.2 overs on the opening day of the second Test against West Indies in Nottingham on Thursday, creating the record for the fastest-ever team fifty in the history of Test cricket. (More Cricket News | Live Score)
Despite losing Zak Crawley on just the third ball of the match, his opening partner Ben Duckett combined with Ollie Pope to propel England to a flying start. Duckett and Pope combined to hit 10 boundaries wi﷽thin first 26 balls of the match to help England break their own record of f🤪astest Test team fifty.
England had scored their fifty in just 4.3 overs against South Africa way back in 1994 at The Oval. The third fastest fifty recorꦯd is also 🐽with England who scored their team half-century in five overs against Sri Lanka in 2002.
In the ongoing match, England were invited to b🦹at first and despite losing Crawley early, Duckett kept the hosts ahead. Duckett slammed his way to a 32-ball half-century, making it the fourth quicke⛎st Test fifty for England.
Duckett's 32 ball half-century also became the fastest ever in Test cricket by an English opener.
Duckett's partner Pope alꦑso started with a bang but soon became a bit more cautious. Duckett on the other hand kept goi𒀰ng and was dismissed in the 19th over for 71. Shamar Joseph forced Duckett to edge a delivery on to his stumps. Duckett scored 71 in 59 balls and smashed 14 fours.
Joe Root joined Pope at the crease and the duo had guided England to 134/🔜2 in 26 overs when Lunch was called on Day 1.
England had defeated ♈West Indies in the first Test at Lord's which also marked the retirement of the legendary James Anderson.
