Need to Play All Three Formats Under Stokes-McCullum: England Batter


image-lf417dwmBen Duckett in nets during Bangladesh tour (AP Photo)

England batter Ben Duckett, who has made a triumphant return to international cricket this winter, has expressed his unwavering commitment to representing England across all three formats.

In 2016-2017, when Duckett made his Test and ODI debuts on England's tours of Bangladesh and India, he admits that "he probably wasn't ready for international cricket". However, after a seven-year hiatus, the left-hander now exudes a relaxed attitude towards the experience.

Duckett credits his success to Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes in the Test team. 

"The way that they make everyone feel is something that I never thought would be the case in Test cricket. It's almost like you're playing a friendly, you're actually going out and playing a Test match and it's that relaxed, and that's how you're going to get players to perform at their best," Duckett told ESPNCricinfo.

Duckett is one of the few players from the England cricket team to feature in all three formats this winter, which includes campaigns in Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand and currently Bangladesh. 

The 28-year old cricketer has matured as a cricketer and now understands his strengths.

The southpaw describes his mentality in all three formats as "see ball, hit ball." He has the full backing from all of the squads, which he credits for his success.

Duckett's strong desire for a second chance to represent England was a crucial factor in his decision to reject lucrative opportunities in the franchise circuit this winter, including the ongoing Pakistan Super League. 

His singular focus is on playing for England as much as possible, even if it entails giving up potential financial rewards.