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No Bazball! Ben Duckett reveals fresh approach of 'reckless' England for The Ashes

Soumyajit Dutta

Ben Duckett in action (Source: AFP Photos)Ben Duckett in action (Source: AFP Photos)

Ben Duckett, England's swashbuckling opener and a novice on Australian soil, expressed that the team is coming for the Ashes tour without the 'bazball' baggage. Duckett was clear on his stance for the team, where he explained that England is essentially looking to start fresh with their approach.

Duckett on shouldering fresh approach as an opener

Speaking of establishing the bazball narrative in Australian conditions, Ben Duckett shared that the team under Brendon McCullum is looking to re-establish with a long-term sustainable approach rather than being just a 'reckless side'.

"There's moments as an opening batsman, for example, it could be at Perth in a few weeks where we've got five overs to see at the end of the day. And I did it against India last summer where actually just get through it. I don't care how many runs you've got, just be there in the morning. I think that's where we're trying to go as a team now, it's not just being this entertaining, reckless at times, side," Duckett told the Willow Talk podcast.

Duckett has been a pretty fruitful player for the Ben Duckett-led side. Since 2023, he has been the top run scorer among openers with 321 runs at 35.66 in the 2023 Ashes series.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge. You know how tough it is for touring sides coming over here. I'm not expecting or setting myself any targets. I know I'm opening the batting against probably the best bowling attack in the world in their home conditions," Duckett opined.

Did Duckett take a subtle jab at the Australian media?

Meanwhile, the English batter was also cheeky while replying on the typical Australian media welcome upon their arrival for the first Test on November 21.

"This group we've got, I actually saw the other day I'm the fourth oldest, which was tough to see. So we've got quite a fresh group coming here where there's not a lot of baggage, which I think will help us," Duckett said while taking a subtle jab at the 'ageing' Australian side whose average age stands at 33 compared to a younger England side with an average age of 28.

The oldest and fiercest rivalry of all time will be reignited on November 21 in Perth when the two sides meet for the first Test of the Ashes series. Notably, from the host's side, Pat Cummins will be missing out on the first outing due to injury, as Steve Smith will take the helm to lead the 'yellow vets' on the field.