Ben Duckett’s unfortunate thumb injury has cast a shadow over England’s ongoing series against Pakistan. Fielding in the slips on Day 2, Duckett suffered what is suspected to be a dislocated left thumb while catching Abrar Ahmed. The injury immediately saw him signal to the dressing room and exit the field, leaving England concerned about his ability to bat.
This blow comes amidst broader fielding challenges for the English side. Earlier in the match, a string of missed opportunities in the field allowed Pakistan to post a mammoth 556, piling on the pressure. Despite efforts from other players, these lapses have given Pakistan the upper hand, and Duckett’s exit only adds to England’s woes.
Duckett, who has been a key player for England, is now facing uncertainty over his participation for the rest of the Test. While scans are awaited, England is preparing for a worst-case scenario, especially as Duckett plays a crucial role in their top order. With his aggressive style and consistent form, England will miss his contributions if the injury rules him out for the remainder of the match.
The England management will hope that his injury is not too severe, as Duckett’s absence would further weaken an already struggling fielding unit. With Pakistan capitalizing on their errors, the pressure to turn things around is mounting, and Duckett’s injury might just make that task harder.
England’s fielding and fitness issues have surfaced at a time when consistency is vital. Duckett’s injury adds to a series of unfortunate moments in this Test, where England’s struggle to maintain control in the field has allowed Pakistan to dominate the game.