Ben Duckett is bracing himself for a thrilling face-off against India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, in the highly anticipated five-match Test series between England and India, scheduled for June to August this year. Known for his unorthodox action, searing pace, and pinpoint accuracy, Bumrah is considered one of the finest fast bowlers of the modern era.
Duckett, however, remains unfazed by the challenge, displaying a confident outlook ahead of the crucial series. Reflecting on England’s previous tour to India, where Bumrah was instrumental in securing a 4-1 series victory for the hosts, Ben Duckett acknowledged the threat posed by the Indian pacer.
Jasprit Bumrah’s 19 wickets in that series, taken on spin-friendly surfaces, highlighted his versatility and ability to adapt to challenging conditions. His efforts were only surpassed by Ravichandran Ashwin’s 26 wickets and Tom Hartley’s 22, solidifying Bumrah’s reputation as a world-class bowler.
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As England prepares to host India, Duckett’s form at the top of the order will be crucial. His confidence stems from having faced Bumrah before, a fact he believes gives him insight into the pacer’s approach.
“I’ve faced him in a five-Test series before. I know what he’s going to do to me, and the good thing about that is I know what skills he has,” Ben Duckett shared with the Daily Mail. Despite acknowledging Bumrah’s threat, Duckett expressed optimism, suggesting that if he can survive the early onslaught, there are opportunities to score. He also highlighted the danger posed by Mohammed Shami, emphasizing the quality of India’s pace attack.
Duckett’s boldness extends beyond the field. Recently, he stirred up a conversation with his comments during England’s ODI series loss to India earlier this year.
Following a 0-3 defeat, Ben Duckett nonchalantly remarked that he wouldn’t mind the loss if it meant winning against India in the Champions Trophy final — a statement that drew criticism from England’s managing director, Rob Key. Clarifying his stance, Duckett explained, “All I was saying was that the ODI series in India was kind of done. We had bigger ambitions for that trip than just that series.”
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As the Test series approaches, Duckett’s confidence and readiness to tackle Bumrah’s fiery spells will undoubtedly be put to the test. His performance at the top could be pivotal for England’s success in this gripping contest.
