League: Cricket
England cricketer Ben Duckett and his partner Paige Ogborne have joyfully welcomed their first child, a daughter named Margot Duckett, born on Monday (July 22).
Duckett, who had left the England squad after the second Test against the West Indies, prioritized his family’s momentous occasion over cricket. There were speculations that Duckett might miss the second Test due to his paternity leave, but he managed to play in both innings, making significant contributions with scores of 71 and 76.
The couple took to Instagram on Thursday (July 24), to share their happiness with fans. Their post featured a touching photograph of Duckett holding Margot in a baby cradle, capturing the tender first moments of their daughter’s life. The heartfelt image conveyed the overwhelming joy and gratitude the new parents felt.
England Cricket also acknowledged the joyous occasion through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, extending their congratulations: “Congratulations to @BenDuckett1 and his partner, Paige, on the birth of their daughter, Margot. A new member of the @EnglandCricket family.” This message from England Cricket highlighted the supportive nature of the cricketing community towards its players.
The availability of Duckett for the third and final Test of the series against the West Indies remains uncertain. With the arrival of his newborn daughter, Duckett might need additional time to be with his partner and their baby, which could affect his selection for the upcoming match.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Duckett’s participation, England’s cricket team secured a commanding 2-0 series lead against the West Indies. The opening Test saw England achieve a resounding victory by an innings and 114 runs. This match was also marked by a poignant farewell to the legendary pacer James Anderson, who concluded his illustrious international career at Lord’s.
The second Test further cemented England’s dominance, with a 241-run victory after dismissing the West Indies for 143 in their pursuit of a 385 runs target at Trent Bridge. Key contributions from Shoaib Bashir and Ollie Pope were instrumental in England’s win, underscoring the team’s strength and depth in the series.