Ben Duckett Reveals Truth Behind Ashes Incident with James Anderson

Ben Duckett Reveals Truth Behind Ashes Incident with James Anderson

Ben Duckett’s career took a dramatic turn in 2017-18 when he was sent home from the Ashes tour after an incident involving James Anderson. Now, seven years later, Duckett has revealed the full story behind the incident, shedding light on the events that led to his suspension.

Duckett, then a promising young batsman, was part of the Lions tour at the time. The incident occurred at Perth’s Avenue Bar, where England players were under intense scrutiny for their off-field behavior. Anderson, a senior member of the team, allegedly threw a drink on Duckett, who then retaliated by pouring a drink on Anderson’s head.

The incident was witnessed by an ECB security guard, who reported it to the management. Head coach Trevor Bayliss was furious, calling it “unacceptable” in the current climate. Anderson downplayed the incident in his Telegraph column, but the ECB took a hard stance, imposing a fine and suspension on Duckett.

Duckett feared his England career was over. He was isolated in Australia, unable to train or play. The time difference and lack of support from home made it a difficult time for the 22-year-old. However, the incident also forced him to grow up quickly and develop resilience.

Duckett’s subsequent emergence as an England regular has allowed him to put a positive spin on that period of his career. He has become a mainstay across all three formats, with over 1980 Test runs since returning to the side in 2022. He is also set to play a vital role in the rejuvenation of England’s limited overs set-up.

While Duckett acknowledges that his actions were not ideal, he believes the experience made him a stronger and more determined player. He is grateful for the support he received from his teammates during that difficult time and is now focused on making the most of his opportunity to represent England.

Vaughan Predicts Pakistan Collapse in Second Test

Vaughan Predicts Pakistan Collapse in Second Test

Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, has predicted that Pakistan may face another collapse in the second Test against England at Multan, similar to their embarrassing defeat in the first Test. Vaughan’s comments came after Pakistan’s spinner Sajid Khan pegged back England on Day 2, reducing them to 239 for 6 despite opener Ben Duckett’s century.

Vaughan believes that if England takes a first-innings lead, it could lead to a similar finish as the first Test, where Pakistan collapsed in the second innings. However, Pakistan is currently 127 runs behind at stumps on Day 2 with four wickets in hand, leaving open the possibility of them taking a first-innings lead and building on it.

Vaughan’s comments follow his earlier criticism of Pakistan’s decision to drop Babar Azam from the Test squad, calling it a “stupid decision.” However, Babar’s replacement, Kamran Ghulam, proved Vaughan wrong by scoring a century on debut.

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali responded to Vaughan’s comments, saying that “Vaughan should be shown the picture of Kamran Ghulam.”

The second Test between Pakistan and England is poised for an exciting finish, with Pakistan needing to bat well in the second innings to avoid another collapse and level the series.

Duckett Breaks Test Record, England Faces Collapse in Multan

Duckett Breaks Test Record, England Faces Collapse in Multan

Ben Duckett Breaks Record, England Faces Collapse in Multan Test

England opener Ben Duckett has etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the fastest batter to reach 2,000 Test runs in terms of balls faced. On Day 2 of the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, Duckett’s brilliant knock of 114 off 129 balls propelled him to this remarkable milestone.

Duckett’s innings was a masterclass in batting, showcasing his exceptional technique and aggressive strokeplay. He surpassed the previous record held by New Zealand’s Tim Southee, who had reached the 2,000-run mark in 2,418 balls. Duckett achieved the feat in just 2,293 deliveries, leaving behind renowned batters like Adam Gilchrist, Virender Sehwag, and Rishabh Pant.

In reply to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 366, Duckett and Zak Crawley provided England with a solid start, adding 73 runs in just 12 overs. Duckett was particularly effective against spin, using sweeps and reverse sweeps to disrupt Pakistan’s bowlers. He brought up his fourth Test century with ease, showcasing his class and composure.

Duckett went on to stitch another important 52-run partnership with Ollie Pope, further consolidating England’s innings. However, his individual brilliance wasn’t enough to prevent a dramatic England collapse later in the day.

Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan engineered a stunning fightback, dismantling England’s middle order with a four-wicket haul. Sajid’s spell included key dismissals, such as Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook. Duckett, who seemed untouchable, eventually nicked one to slip while attempting to drive a sharply turning delivery, leaving England vulnerable at 239/6 by stumps.

Duckett’s record-breaking knock will be remembered as a moment of brilliance in a challenging Test match. Despite England’s collapse, his innings has given them a glimmer of hope as they look to salvage the match and level the series.

Duckett's Thumb Injury Casts Doubt Over England's Batting in Pakistan Test

Duckett’s Thumb Injury Casts Doubt Over England’s Batting in Pakistan Test

England’s Test debutant Ben Duckett faces an anxious wait to determine his availability for the remainder of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. Duckett suffered a suspected dislocation of his left thumb while fielding at slip on the opening day, casting doubt over his ability to bat.

The incident occurred when Pakistan’s No. 11, Abrar Ahmed, steered a short ball from Joe Root straight into Duckett’s thumb. Duckett initially held onto the catch but immediately grimaced in pain and received treatment from England’s doctor.

Ollie Pope replaced Duckett as opener alongside Zak Crawley, but England remained cautious in their batting approach, reaching 96 for 1 at the close of the 20-over stint. An England spokesperson expressed hope that Duckett’s injury would subside overnight, but it remains uncertain whether he will be fit to bat on the third day.

Duckett’s absence would be a significant blow for England, who have opted to field a six-batter, five-bowler lineup in the absence of Ben Stokes. Duckett was England’s second-highest run-scorer in their 3-0 series whitewash in Pakistan two years ago and has emerged as a key player since his recall.

Stokes, who is targeting a comeback in the second Test, stepped up his recovery on Tuesday. He took slip catches, ran at high intensity, and bowled three overs at tea, with James Anderson observing.

England’s resources for the second Test are already stretched, with Olly Stone unlikely to feature after returning home for his wedding. If Duckett is unavailable, he could be replaced by Jordan Cox or Stokes, necessitating a reshuffled batting order.

Australia Clinch ODI Series Win Over England with Rain-Aided Victory

Australia Clinch ODI Series Win Over England with Rain-Aided Victory

Travis Head’s all-round brilliance propelled Australia to a 49-run victory over England in the rain-affected fifth and final ODI at Bristol, securing a 3-2 series triumph for the world champions.

England, chasing a formidable target, were cruising at 202-2 thanks to a century from Ben Duckett (107) and a half-century from Harry Brook (72). However, Australia’s slow bowlers turned the tide, with Head claiming an ODI-best 4-28 as England collapsed to 309 all out.

Australia’s chase got off to a blistering start, with Matthew Short (58) and Head (31) putting on 78 for the first wicket in just over seven overs. Rain intervened with Australia well ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) target, and the umpires eventually called off the game with Australia on 165-2 after 20.4 overs.

Head’s performance was particularly impressive, as he not only took four wickets but also made a valuable contribution with the bat. His 31 off 24 balls helped set the tone for Australia’s chase, while his bowling proved decisive in England’s collapse.

Duckett’s century was his second in ODIs, and he played a key role in England’s strong start. Brook continued his impressive form with another half-century, but England’s middle and lower order failed to provide the necessary support.

The victory marked a successful end to Australia’s tour of England, which also included a 2-0 Test series win. It was a particularly satisfying result for Head, who has emerged as a key player for Australia in recent months.

Ben Duckett's Risk-Taking Approach Fuels England's Aggressive Batting

Ben Duckett’s Risk-Taking Approach Fuels England’s Aggressive Batting

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.

Duckett Clarifies Controversial Jaiswal Comment, Credits McCullum for Batting Transformation

Duckett Clarifies Controversial Jaiswal Comment, Credits McCullum for Batting Transformation

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian batter, made history during the five-match Test series against England in January 2023. The 22-year-old amassed a staggering 712 runs, including two double centuries and two tons, helping India secure a dominant 4-1 series victory. Jaiswal’s aggressive batting earned him a place alongside Sunil Gavaskar as the only Indian batters to score 700-plus runs in a Test series.

However, during the series, a comment from England batter Ben Duckett sparked controversy. Duckett claimed that Jaiswal’s fiery technique was a result of the influence of English batters. This statement drew widespread criticism, with many former cricketers and pundits accusing Duckett of downplaying Jaiswal’s talent.

Eight months later, Duckett has clarified his remarks. “It was actually me paying him (Jaiswal) a nice compliment,” Duckett told Daily Mail. “I’m pretty sure I said he was a world-class player, but no one spoke about that.”

Duckett also revealed the impact of red-ball coach Brendon McCullum’s words on his approach to batting. “It was Baz (McCullum) who said: ‘Why do you have to go and bat like these previous openers? Why can’t you be the best version of yourself?’ That’s what I am,” Duckett explained.

Despite his success, Duckett remains driven to improve. “I’m the kind of guy who’s never satisfied,” he said. “I want the next two years to be even better. My batting has felt like it has gone to a different level.”

Chris Jordan Recalled to England T20 World Cup Squad

Chris Jordan Recalled to England T20 World Cup Squad

Chris Jordan is poised to make a triumphant return to the England T20I squad for the upcoming World Cup, set to be announced on Tuesday. The experienced all-rounder, who last played for England in 2023, will fill the void left by the injured Jamie Overton.

Jordan’s recall is a testament to his versatility and recent batting prowess. Since the start of the 2023 Vitality Blast, he has averaged 30.05 and struck at 160.53 in T20 cricket. His ability to contribute valuable cameos with the bat, coupled with his exceptional fielding and death bowling skills, makes him a valuable asset to the team.

Ben Duckett, a left-handed batter, has also earned a spot as England’s spare batter. Tom Hartley, an uncapped spinner, is expected to edge out Rehan Ahmed as the second frontline spinner behind Adil Rashid.

Jordan’s inclusion comes at the expense of Chris Woakes, who has yet to feature for Punjab Kings in the IPL this season. Jofra Archer, despite his ongoing elbow injury, is also expected to be named in the provisional squad. The ECB hopes that the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan will provide Archer with a platform to return to international cricket ahead of the World Cup.

England’s top four is likely to comprise Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Will Jacks, and Jonny Bairstow, all of whom have impressed in the IPL. Buttler, Jacks, and Bairstow have all scored centuries for their respective franchises, while Salt has amassed three half-centuries in his first eight innings.

The provisional squad will be finalized after England’s four-match T20I series against Pakistan, which begins on May 22. The World Cup is scheduled to take place in the Caribbean and the United States from June 28 to July 16.

Warwickshire Edge Closer to Draw as Rain Interrupts Nottinghamshire Clash

Warwickshire Edge Closer to Draw as Rain Interrupts Nottinghamshire Clash

Warwickshire’s hopes of salvaging a draw against Nottinghamshire were boosted on the third day of their Vitality Championship clash at Edgbaston, as rain washed out the first two sessions and limited play to just 35 overs.

Resuming on 71 for 3, Warwickshire advanced their first innings to 175 for 5, with Ed Barnard anchoring the innings with a studious 69 (142 balls). The former Worcestershire player reached his half-century in 100 balls and shared a crucial 84-run partnership with Jake Bethell (38 not out).

Nottinghamshire’s bowlers, led by Dillon Pennington (3 for 40), toiled hard on a placid pitch that offered little assistance. However, Barnard’s resolute batting and Bethell’s newfound patience frustrated their efforts to force a result.

The visitors had earlier posted a formidable 400 all out, thanks to a brilliant double-century from Ben Duckett (218). Despite the excellent bowling conditions on the second afternoon, Warwickshire’s bowlers were unable to replicate their success on the third day, as the cloud cover lifted and the pitch behaved well.

With the follow-on target set at 251, Warwickshire need just 76 more runs to reach safety on the final morning. If they can achieve that, a draw, which has always been the most likely outcome, will become a certainty.

However, Nottinghamshire still harbor a glimmer of hope. If their seamers can make early inroads tomorrow, they could put the home side under pressure and potentially force a result.

Duckett's Century Anchors Nottinghamshire on Opening Day

Duckett’s Century Anchors Nottinghamshire on Opening Day

Nottinghamshire’s batting lineup showcased resilience and determination on the opening day of their Vitality Championship Division One clash against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. Ben Duckett’s masterful unbeaten century of 197 anchored the innings, guiding his team to a respectable 367 for 8.

Duckett’s innings was a testament to his maturity and composure. He faced 230 deliveries, constructing his knock with patience and precision. His innings featured a wide array of strokes, including 23 boundaries and a six.

Despite Duckett’s heroics, Nottinghamshire’s batting display was inconsistent. Ben Slater (65) and Jack Haynes (74) also made significant contributions, but no other batter managed to reach double figures. Warwickshire’s attack, led by the experienced Oliver Hannon-Dalby, kept the pressure on throughout the day.

Hannon-Dalby, in his 200th appearance for Warwickshire, was the standout performer with figures of 19-3-58-4. His accurate bowling and ability to extract movement from the pitch proved challenging for Nottinghamshire’s batters.

The match began with Nottinghamshire captain Haseeb Hameed opting to bat first. However, he departed early, caught at cover off Hannon-Dalby. Slater was fortunate to survive an early chance when he was dropped by Jake Bethell at third slip.

Duckett and Slater then combined for a 146-run partnership, providing a solid foundation for Nottinghamshire. Slater played with increasing fluency, hitting 10 fours in his innings. However, Hannon-Dalby’s return to the attack proved decisive, as he dismissed Slater with a superb away-cutter.

The loss of Slater triggered a collapse, with Nottinghamshire losing three wickets for 15 runs. Will Young and Joe Clarke, who had shared a record partnership against Somerset last week, managed just five runs between them.

Duckett found a reliable partner in Haynes, who struck 11 fours in an attractive knock. However, the introduction of the new ball brought another cluster of wickets. Hannon-Dalby trapped Haynes lbw, while Hasan Ali dismissed Lyndon James and Calvin Harrison.

With Nottinghamshire eight wickets down, Duckett needed nine runs for his double century. He reached the milestone with an audacious ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head off Will Rhodes. However, bad light forced an early close, leaving Duckett stranded on 197 overnight.

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