IND vs Eng. 5th Test: Ben Docket and Zak Crowlie make history, become the first opening pair to achieve this achievement vs India

Ben Docket and Zak Crowly shone as England’s most vast opening pair against India in Test cricket. The pair gave their eighth 50-flus partnership against India on 2 of the fifth Test at the Oval, which crossed the West West Indian pair Gordon Greenies and Desmond Hens, who managed eight such stands.

Most of the 50+ participation for a initial pair vs India in trials

8* – Zak Croly and Ben Docket (ENG)8 – Gordon Greenies and Desmond Hens (Wi)7 – Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss (ENG)7 – Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer (AUS)7 – Bill Laurie and Bob Simpson (AUS) The 936* runs scored by Docket and Croly in 18 innings are now the highest by England’s opening pair against India, overtaking the 932-Run mark conducted by Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss in 20 innings. His latest stand of 51 came in just seven overs – the fastest matching of fifty by any team against India in the first innings of a test. Australia earlier achieved the same in the 2011/12 WACA Test.

Earlier in the day, the England bowlers performed a clinical performance to exclude India for 224. Gus Atkinson was a standout artist, he tested in his fourth five -wicket tests. He ended with figures of 5 for 33 in 21.4 overs, including eight girls. Josh tongue well supported with 3 for 57.

Starting 204/6 again, India lost their last four wickets for just 20 runs in the first 30 minutes of the day. Karun Nair scored the top with 57, while Washington Sundar made 26. England’s strong start and the form of Docket-Croiley gave the hosts a strong hold in the final test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.