Ben Duckett's ton propels England to 351-8 against Australia in Champions Trophy clash

England’s opening batter Ben Duckett delivered a sensational 165-run knock to guide his team to a commanding total of 351 for 8 against Australia in their Champions Trophy match in Lahore on Saturday.

Duckett’s masterful innings, crafted over 143 balls, featured 17 boundaries and three sixes, laying a solid foundation for England after being put into bat.

Joe Root provided crucial support with a well-compiled 68, ensuring England capitalized on Duckett’s strong start.

Despite the high-scoring effort, Australia’s bowlers managed to make breakthroughs at regular intervals.

Ben Dwarshuis led the attack with figures of 3 for 66, while leg-spinner Adam Zampa and all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne contributed with two wickets each.

England’s imposing total now puts Australia under pressure as they prepare for a challenging run chase in this crucial Champions Trophy encounter.

Earlier, Australian captain Steve Smith won the toss and opted to field against England in the Champions Trophy Group B match in Lahore on Saturday.

Australia, depleted by the absence of pace trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood who are all out of the tournament, have included three fast bowlers with Adam Zampa as frontline spinner.

England included wicketkeeper batter Jamie Smith with three frontline fast bowlers and a lone specialist spinner in Adil Rashid.

South Africa, who beat Afghanistan by 107 runs on Friday, are the other team in Group B.

Title-holders Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh comprise Group A. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.

Teams:

Australia: Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

England: Jos Buttler (captain), Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood

Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (NZL) and Joel Wilson (WIS)

TV umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI)

Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)