Category: Cricket

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has hailed Ben Duckett’s audacious knock of 86 on day one of the third Test against Sri Lanka as a testament to his risk-taking approach that lies at the heart of England’s aggressive batting philosophy.

Duckett’s blistering innings, featuring nine fours and two sixes, set the tone for England’s imposing 221/3 at The Oval. Hussain praised Duckett’s ability to unsettle the Sri Lankan bowlers with his relentless attacking intent.

“Duckett never let them settle at all,” Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Mail. “They kept bowling on the legs early on, or even outside the line of the pads, and then when they over-corrected, they were short and wide. Where does Duckett like the ball the most? Short and wide outside off-stump. He put them to the sword.”

Hussain highlighted Duckett’s unique approach compared to traditional England openers who often left deliveries outside off-stump. Duckett’s willingness to attack these balls has resulted in a remarkable leave percentage of just 1.7%, significantly lower than other Test openers.

“His career leave percentage is 1.7%, making him nearly five times as likely to play than Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique, the next man on the list with 8.3%,” Hussain noted. “When everything is in the bowlers’ favor, that is exactly how the England team management want him, Duckett to play – putting pressure back on the opposition.”

Hussain acknowledged that Duckett’s attacking instincts could be exploited by Australia in next year’s Ashes. However, he believes Duckett will remain true to his style of play.

“With batsmen, however, your strengths can also be your weaknesses and I expect Australia to play on this in next year’s Ashes,” Hussain said. “But I can’t see him changing. He will give it a go and that aligns with the constant messaging from the England dressing room.”

Hussain concluded by emphasizing the importance of allowing players to play to their strengths, even if it occasionally leads to dismissals. “If a player scores runs with a particular shot, they do not want them to put it away if they get out to it,” Hussain added.