'It’s going to be tough no matter how flat the pitches are' - Ben Duckett sheds light on Indian pace challenge

In the looming battle between England and India, the spotlight often gravitates towards the epic fight between England's batters and India's formidable spin attack. However, according to England opener Ben Duckett, there's another challenge waiting for the visitors – the relentless pace attack from the hosts.

Reflecting on England's 2021 tour of India, Duckett acknowledged the team's initial success in Chennai but emphasised the subsequent struggle against the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, who collectively claimed 60 wickets, leading India to a 3-1 victory.

As the upcoming series approaches, India's spin arsenal expands to include Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Despite the absence of Mohammed Shami due to injury, India boasts a formidable fast-bowling unit with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan.

“People talk about how good India’s spin bowling is but at the top of the order against the seam attack, it’s going to be tough no matter how flat the pitches are. I’ve obviously just played against, in my eyes, the best seam attack in the world this summer,” said Duckett to the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.

“I think the preparation in Abu Dhabi will be focused around facing the new ball spin. It’s going to be interesting, I don’t think I’ll get out blocking as many times as I did when I was last there,” he added.

Whatever India throw at me, it’s not going to be a shock: Duckett

Duckett, who made his Test debut in 2016 and has become a regular in the England lineup since 2022, anticipates a different challenge this time. Embracing an ultra-attacking style, he highlighted the importance of preparation in Abu Dhabi, focusing on facing the new ball spin. Reflecting on his previous experiences in India, Duckett mentioned,

"Whatever India throw at me, it’s not going to be a shock. I’ve played on those kinds of pitches. I know full well what to expect when I get out there."

While acknowledging Ashwin's world-class bowling, Duckett asserted, “I wasn’t the last left-hander to struggle out there in those conditions against Ashwin. He’s so good everywhere. I’m sure he’s going to get me out again, he’s a world-class bowler. But I would back myself now on a good pitch or a flatter pitch to not feel like I have to play aggressive shots or sweep every ball. If those pitches are spinning, and with the way this team have played over the last 18 months, I know what my strengths are and I’m certainly not going to die wondering,” he concluded.

As the excitement builds for the Test series, Duckett's perspective adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, underscoring the multifaceted challenges that England's batters are gearing up to face in the upcoming matches.