ben duckett says he is committed to taking every available opportunity to represent England across all three formats, after crediting Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes’ laid-back attitude in the Test team for his successful return to international cricket this winter .
By his own admission, Duckett, now 28, was “probably not ready for international cricket” in 2016–17, when he made his Test and ODI debuts on England’s tours of Bangladesh and India. Seven years later, though, he is so relieved about the experience, he was able to prepare for last week’s return to the white-ball set-up by spending a few days “on a sun lounger” in Dubai.
That brief stint of R&R came when the Test team disbanded after a thrilling one-run defeat to New Zealand in Wellington, which was also Duckett’s first defeat in five matches since being recalled for the tour of Pakistan in December. In that time he has averaged an impressive 56.44 at the top of the order, and is keen to maintain the same mindset in this week’s first T20I against Bangladesh in Chattogram.
Duckett said of his experience in the test set-up, “It’s ridiculously different.” “The way they make everyone feel is something I never thought would happen in Test cricket. It’s almost like you’re playing a friendly, you’re actually going out and playing a Test.” Playing matches and it’s so relaxing, and that’s how you’re going to get the players to do their best.
“The first thing Baz said to me in Pakistan was: ‘Just enjoy it, you’re going to get a good run’. To hear that before your first Test as an opening batsman doesn’t make you nervous and you can go there.” And play your way instead of watching the score.
“And I think the biggest thing in that dressing room is that no one cares about all the noise outside the dressing room. Everything is there in the dressing room and almost you’ve got that support, it seems like the players Now it looks like they’re going to keep it for a while, especially when things are going well. First, you’re dreading every single game, if you don’t score, you’re in the next Might be out of the game.”
Duckett took a similar stoic approach to his 13-ball 20 England lost by six wickets in the first T20, He said, “I tried to stick to my strengths. It went well and then I missed one.”
“One thing I’ve been lucky with is because the way I play, it doesn’t really change across formats. You see these guys who are throwing the ball out of the ground and then they have to go and test. Play cricket and it’s a big difference, where my mindset is to see the ball, hit the ball in all three formats. And now against spin, sweep both ways across all formats – and I’ve got full support from all the teams.
He said, “I have matured as a cricketer.” “It’s to realize what works for me, to understand what my strengths are. Seven years ago I would have tried to hit Shakib.” [Al Hasan] For a six over long on, I now know all I have to do is hit the ball in front of square leg and it’s a four. The little taste I had at the time, I was too young and probably not ready. I think it comes with age and most batsmen are at their best when they are 28, 29.
Duckett is one of only four England players to have featured in all three formats this winter, and it has been a journey around the world – including campaigns in Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand and now Bangladesh – that has made him even more Reason why any qualms about dropping everything and relaxing with your girlfriend for a week in UAE between red and white ball campaigns instead of worrying about the challenge of changing formats Wasn’t
His long wait for a second chance with England was also a contributing factor to his exit from big-money opportunities on the franchise circuit this winter – including the ongoing Pakistan Super League, which has led to several England players, including Alex Hales including, for withdrawing his availability for the Bangladesh series.
“I talked to people a month ago about relaxing and getting stuff out,” he said. “For me, the focus is on getting a chance to play in all three formats for England. And that will be my focus as long as I am in the team.”
“Don’t get me wrong, if I have a month next winter and I’m offered a lot of money, I’ll probably go and play it, as most of us do. But you can play it all.” leagues around the world over the years, right now I’m completely focused on playing as much as I can for England. The break I had was potentially a good thing for me, and it’s made me Made me so hungry to take I only get one chance.”