Ben Duckett makes Champions Trophy history after Alex Carey heroics

An England cricket star has rewritten the record books with a blistering innings that unfolded after an Aussie left jaws on the floor.

England opener Ben Duckett has etched his name into the record books in a stunning display against Australia.

In their opening Champions Trophy contest at Gaddafi Stadium, Duckett delivered a heroic innings to help guide England to 8/351 from their 50 overs with the opener finishing on 165 from 142 deliveries.

The total is the highest team total in Champions Trophy history.

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His innings saw him go past Phil Salt and Andy Flower who previously held the record for the highest individual Champions Trophy score with 145 back in 2004 and 2002 respectively.

Duckett’s heroics came after England were sent in to bat in a decision that paid almost instant dividends for Steve Smith.

In only the second over of the contest a flick off the pads from opener Phil Salt flew towards mid-on where Alex Carey was waiting to pounce.

Australia’s normal wicketkeeper found himself in the field with Josh Inglis taking up the gloves, but it mattered little as he soared through the air.

Carey stuck his right hand out at full extension as he hauled in the screamer to send Salt on his way back to the sheds.

Watch the outrageous moment in the video player above

Alex Carey … WOW. Credit: Prime Video.

Fans watching on couldn’t quite believe what the usual keeper had just produced in the field.

One wrote on X: “Had to be him didn’t it? I can’t even be mad - that was outrageous.”

A second added: “Carey carry catch of the tournament.”

A third wrote: “Absolute screamer from Alex Carey. One of the catches in this tournament.”

Carey was back in the action in the fifth over, again off the bowling of Ben Dwarshuis, when Jamie Smith chipped one straight to him.

He wasn’t done there however as he put another stamp on the contest in the 34th over when he hauled in a catch to send the dangerous Harry Brook on his way.

The Aussies celebrate the early wicket. (Photo by Sameer Ali/Getty Images)

Despite the feats of Carey in the field, it was England who ultimately wrestled back the momentum after Australia captured two wickets in the first six overs.

It was Duckett and Joe Root who combined to completely flip the script as they put forth a stunning 158-run stand.

Root was sent on his way when Adam Zampa struck one on his pads with the Aussie leg spinner striking again only moments later when he sent the dangerous Harry Brook packing.

Despite the rest of the England batting line-up struggling to have an impact, it mattered little as Duckett put the squad on his back and carried them to an impressive total.

It’s now over to the bowlers to try and contain the Australian batters and get their campaign off to a winning start.