Pakistan could crumble in 3rd innings: Ben Duckett backs England to win 2nd Test

England opener Ben Duckett is confident that Pakistan could crumble under pressure in their second innings, despite the home side ending day two of the second Test in a stronger position.

Duckett, whose 114 helped England reach 239 for 6 in response to Pakistan’s first innings total of 366, believes that his side is still in the game, especially on a worn pitch that may favor the bowlers in the upcoming sessions.

On a day when England initially looked solid at 211 for 22, Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan turned the tide by taking three crucial wickets, causing a dramatic collapse as England lost 4 wickets for just 14 runs. However, Duckett, speaking to Test Match Special, remained optimistic. “Whatever the state of the game, we always believe we can go and win,” Duckett said. “If we can bat for as much as we can and get close to their total, I think we will actually be favorites.”

England, currently trailing by 127 runs with four wickets in hand, are relying on their ability to apply pressure on Pakistan, who have a history of faltering in their third innings. In Pakistan’s last four Test matches in 2024, they have crumbled in the third innings, including scores of 115 against Australia and 220 against England in the first Test of this series.

Duckett pointed to England’s previous success in Pakistan, where they achieved an unprecedented 3-0 clean sweep two years ago. This victory is fueling England’s belief that they can turn the match in their favor, despite Pakistan’s tactical adjustments. Pakistan dropped star batter Babar Azam and opted for a recycled pitch from the first Test, fielding three frontline spinners in an attempt to gain an advantage.

“We know that they can crumble, and the pressure is on them,” Duckett told Sky Sports. “We’re 1-0 up in the series, won the last series 3-0, and we know they’re going to fight. But we always believe we’re in the game.”

The used pitch is expected to deteriorate further, offering more spin and unpredictable bounce. Duckett acknowledged that scoring runs in the first session of day three will be crucial, with England aiming to keep Pakistan’s lead manageable. “Runs are going to be so, so vital,” he said. “If we can try and get as close as we can, we know that they can crumble. The pressure’s kind of over to them.”

England’s strategy is clear: capitalize on the challenging conditions, restrict Pakistan’s lead, and exploit their batting vulnerabilities in the third innings. Duckett highlighted the importance of England’s seamers Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts, who had a strong impact in Pakistan’s first innings. “If the ball’s down with the odd one bouncing up, we’ve got those options as well,” Duckett noted.