England fight back as Duckett ton keeps series decider alive

NOTTINGHAM (Web Desk) – Ben Duckett struck a brilliant century after captain Ben Stokes inspired a dramatic bowling comeback as England fought back against New Zealand on the second day of the third and deciding Test at Trent Bridge.

England closed Friday on 223-2 in reply to New Zealand’s first-innings total of 438, trailing by 215 runs with the series locked at 1-1.

Duckett delighted the home crowd with a fluent 113, his first Test hundred in more than a year, while Jacob Bethell remained unbeaten on 74. The pair added 179 runs for the second wicket after England lost Emilio Gay for a duck.

Earlier, Stokes led England’s revival with an outstanding spell of 4-70, helping trigger a collapse that saw New Zealand lose their last eight wickets for just 77 runs after appearing set for a score well beyond 500.

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The England skipper also reached a major career milestone by claiming his 250th Test wicket, joining an elite group of all-rounders with over 7,000 Test runs and 250 wickets.

With Duckett and Bethell firmly in control at the crease, England will look to erase the deficit and seize the initiative when play resumes on day three.