Explained: Why did Ollie Pope open instead of Ben Duckett for England?

After Pakistan won the toss, batted first and posted a mammoth 556 in the first innings, England would have hoped for a strong opening partnership from Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett in order to edge closer to the visitors’ total.

However, while Crawley strode out to bat, it was not Duckett who opened alongside him. Instead, it was stand-in skipper Ollie Pope who walked out to open. And the move ended up proving to be a disaster as Pope registered a two-ball duck to put the visitors on the backfoot instantly.

So why did Pope, and not Duckett, open the batting alongside Crawley?

It was because Duckett ended up jamming his finger on the very final ball of Pakistan’s innings while completing the catch of Abrar Ahmed. Fielding at slip, Duckett looked in visible pain after taking Abrar’s catch. Replays showed that Duckett was stung painfully on his left thumb. 

It remains to be seen if Duckett will at all bat in the first innings, let alone at what number. After England lost Pope, it was Joe Root who walked in to bat at No.3. 

Considering Crawley & Duckett average close to 44 as an opening pair, the left-hander’s injury is a significant blow to England.

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