Ben Duckett’s ability to adapt and resist under pressure was on full display as he crafted a stunning 165 off 142 balls, guiding England to their highest-ever score in ICC Champions Trophy history. Known for his unorthodox style, Duckett isn’t your typical opener who relies on conventional shots to find the boundary. Yet, his effectiveness was undeniable as Australia discovered during the match. Duckett’s innings was a masterclass in balancing aggression with patience, showcasing his unique ability to cut, flick, and sweep his way to a match-defining total.
A Unique Approach to Batting
Duckett’s gameplan revolves around staying on the backfoot against pace, utilizing cuts and flicks, while employing sweeps and reverse-sweeps against spin. This unconventional style has its roots in his early sporting days. James Knott, Duckett’s coach during his school years, revealed that Duckett’s hockey and rugby background played a significant role in shaping his cricketing technique.
For Duckett, sweeps and reverse-sweeps are as natural as Rohit Sharma’s pull shot or Virat Kohli’s cover drive. However, his journey to mastering spin hasn’t been without challenges.
Overcoming Early Struggles
When Duckett made his international debut in 2016, he faced significant difficulties against spin, particularly against India’s Ravichandran Ashwin. During England’s tour of India, Ashwin exploited Duckett’s weaknesses on docile pitches, leading to his eventual exclusion from the team.
“After that series, Ben came to the school for a session. His confidence was shaken, and it took time for him to regain it. He’s always been at his best when playing aggressively,” Knott recalled.
Julian Wood, another of Duckett’s coaches, echoed similar sentiments. “In 2016, I was with the Lions in the UAE, and it felt like he was too young and perhaps not ready for the international stage,” Wood said.
Duckett returned to domestic cricket, where he honed his skills and rebuilt his confidence. While he had solid seasons with Nottinghamshire, it wasn’t until 2022 that he truly broke through, scoring 1,012 runs in First-Class cricket at an average of 72.28. His resurgence earned him a recall to the England Test team under Brendon McCullum’s leadership, and he has since become a vital part of the white-ball setup as well.
Why Duckett is Crucial for England at CT25
England’s aggressive batting approach, which brought them success under Eoin Morgan, has struggled to deliver the same results under Jos Buttler. During the 2023 ODI World Cup and the recent series in India, their all-out attacking strategy often backfired.
Duckett’s ability to play spin effectively sets him apart from many of his teammates. Alongside Joe Root, he is one of England’s most reliable players against spin bowling. During the ODI series against India, Duckett demonstrated his ability to accelerate through the Powerplay and maintain momentum even when the field spread out. His wicket often triggered collapses, highlighting his importance to the team.
While players like Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, and Jos Buttler can be devastating on their day, their ability to maneuver the ball in the middle overs against spin isn’t as consistent as Duckett’s. This was evident in his innings against Australia, where he balanced aggression with calculated shot selection.
A Masterclass in Patience and Precision
Australia tried to limit Duckett’s scoring opportunities by avoiding deliveries that allowed him to play square of the wicket or execute his trademark sweeps. However, Duckett remained patient, curbing his natural instinct to attack every ball. Instead, he focused on rotating the strike and waiting for the right moments to unleash his aggressive shots.
With Australia relying on part-time bowlers like Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne to fill the fifth bowler’s quota, Duckett targeted them with precision. His ability to adapt to the situation and resist the urge to over-attack was key to his success.
Ben Duckett’s 165-run innings was more than just a personal milestone; it was a testament to his growth as a player and his importance to England’s batting lineup. His ability to play spin, adapt to different match situations, and balance aggression with patience makes him a crucial asset for England as they look ahead to the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. In a team filled with power hitters, Duckett’s unique skill set offers a much-needed dimension, ensuring England remain a formidable force in white-ball cricket.
