Duckett Reflects on Test Career and Personal Growth

Ben Duckett, the English cricketer, expressed his satisfaction with his recent performances, stating that he would have eagerly accepted the opportunities he has had over the past two years. In an interview with Mail Sport, Duckett acknowledged his previous struggles with leaving the ball, a critical skill for an opener, having faced 1,915 deliveries in Test cricket and only leaving 31. He revealed that during a break from Test cricket, he doubted his ability to return due to this issue but has since embraced the challenge of becoming the best version of himself. Duckett also shared his excitement about the prospect of becoming a father, believing that parenthood might enhance his performance on the field. He humorously noted that the game takes a backseat when a baby is at home, indicating a shift in priorities. Reflecting on his recent innings, he described the moment of scoring a century against India as particularly fulfilling, especially given the context of facing renowned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. In discussing his partnership with fellow opener Zak Crawley, Duckett expressed confidence in their collaboration, highlighting their successful record as a pair. He praised Crawley’s skills and mentioned that if he could choose any partner to open with, it would be him. Duckett's impressive form in the Hundred, where he scored 262 runs at an average of 87, has propelled Birmingham Phoenix into the eliminator against Southern Brave, showcasing his continued impact in the sport.