With the aim of achieving their second-highest successful run chase in tests, England commenced the day at 21-0 and appeared largely untroubled.
In a departure from their usual ultra-aggressive batting style, Crawley and Duckett took 99 balls to reach their 50 partnership—the longest it has taken them to achieve this for England.
Duckett maintained his solid form by hitting fifty in tests for the 19th time, while another exquisite drive from Crawley pushed the England openers past 2,000 test runs together, as India’s attack posed minimal threat.
The openers began to increase their shot play, with the second fifty coming in half the time, though the world’s top-ranked test bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, returned to create some challenges.
Despite several close calls, Crawley and Duckett managed to remain unscathed, reaching the interval with the pair unbeaten on 42 and 64.
