'Might use my reverse sweep as a forward defence' - Ben Duckett on negating spin threat in India

India and England will take on each other in a five-match Test series beginning from January 25 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. The contest promises to be a mouth-watering clash as it will be the toughest test of England’s latest ‘Bazball’ style of play against the vicious spin bowling attack of India.

Ahead of the series, England opener Ben Duckett has revealed his plans to counter the Indian spin trio of Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. The southpaw stated that he would be using reverse sweep as a forward defence to get rid of the men around the bat.

Also Read: 'I don’t think about what the opposition is going to do' - Shreyas Iyer on Bazball

“If it’s spinning sideways and they’ve got men all round the bat, I might use my reverse sweep as a forward defence, without trying to give too much away. My theory around when I watch people get out when there’s a short leg, man round the corner, silly point and a slip, you kind of get stuck on the crease. I’m jinxing myself now if I get caught at short leg which is definitely going to happen now, but what I’m going to try and do is get rid of those guys around me, and hopefully then life will be a bit easier. If they stay in then fingers crossed you get a few more boundaries and get a little score,” said Duckett on Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.

Further speaking ahead, the 29-year-old said that sometimes a quickfire knock of 50 turns out to be a valuable knock for the team on rank turners.

Sometimes getting 50 off 60 or whatever that may be is going to be a valuable knock: Ben Duckett

“If we feel like it’s going to be a terrible pitch, sometimes getting 50 off 60 or whatever that may be is going to be a valuable knock for the team and certainly at times we might have to, although they are an incredible seam attack, potentially try and take the seam down before the spin comes on,” he added.

Also Read: Nasser Hussain warns England of trying times as India spin test awaits

During his last Test series which was the Ashes 2023, Duckett amassed 321 runs from nine innings at an average of 35.66 and a strike rate of 75.88 with two half-centuries to his name. The opening batter will once again look to provide his team with some explosive starts in the upcoming series against India and end their 12-year-long unbeaten record at home.