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'Rohit Sharma, Jaiswal Were Very Attacking, We Were Caught Off Guard' - Ben Duckett

image-lrthovs5Indian openers shine with an attacking 80-run stand (AP)

On the opening day of the first Test in Hyderabad, England's total of 246 proved to be a hard-fought battle against a challenging Indian spin attack. Ben Duckett, reflecting on the day, emphasized the unexpected attacking intent displayed by Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma. 

Duckett acknowledged the difficulty of facing the spin-friendly pitch on day one, stating, "It's spinning quite a lot on day one."

Despite England's struggles, Ben Stokes emerged as the savior, crafting a superb innings of 70 runs after returning from knee surgery. 

"(Ben Stokes) Stokesy got us to what we think was an above-par score. We could easily take three or four [wickets] tomorrow [Day 2] morning for 10 runs," Duckett said.

Jaiswal and Rohit's aggressive approach surprised England, as they raced to an 80-run partnership in just 12.2 overs. Duckett credited the Indian duo's positive play, suggesting,

"They played really well tonight and were very attacking, which is positive. They probably think that pitch is going to get quite a bit worse," the English opener suggested while crediting the Indian spinners. 

India ended the day 1 at 119-1, with Jaiswal unbeaten at 76. England's debutant, Tom Hartley, faced a tough initiation, conceding 63 runs from nine overs, including a six off his first ball in Test cricket.

"If moments like that happen tomorrow, we can stick three or four [wickets] on them," he concluded.

With the game finely poised, the focus now shifts to whether India will maintain their aggressive approach or if England can tighten their grip on the hosts. The stage is set for an enthralling second day in Hyderabad.