‘I’m happy with how I played’ – Ben Duckett unfazed despite narrowly missing out on maiden Ashes ton

Ben Duckett. (Photo Source : Gettyimages)

England’s relentless batting approach in red-ball cricket was typified by a fluent innings from opener Ben Duckett on the second day of the Lord’s Test. Although a rash shot brought an end to Duckett’s outing, just two short of a brilliant ton, the opener shrugged off any regrets about missing his century.

Following a clinical bowling performance by the English pacers in the morning session of the second day at Lord’s, Ben Stokes’ side piled the pressure on the Australian bowlers in typical ‘Bazball’ style. However, the visitors fought their way back into the match after employing the short-ball ploy against the ultra-attacking English batters.

Duckett, who fell victim to Australia’s tactics, remained unfazed despite his unnecessary shot just two runs short of a fluent century. The 28-year-old batter from Kent revealed that he went with his instincts rather than going into a shell against the short balls. Despite his untimely departure, the southpaw labelled it as his best red-ball innings.

“It’s a shot I play and a shot I’ve scored plenty of runs with in my career. I would have been gutted with myself if I’d gone away from it, gone into my shell and gloved one behind. Ten metres either side and I’ve got a hundred. Falling so close to three figures here at Lord’s, I was obviously gutted for half-an-hour after, but I’m happy with how I played. I thought it was certainly my best innings in an England shirt,” Duckett was quoted by the Mirror.

If they have plans like that and we go into our shell, it would be totally against what we do: Duckett

Staying true to England’s rejuvenated approach in red-ball cricket, Duckett established that the players are adamant about their intent and will continue to play the way they are playing at the moment. The soutphaw reckoned that the team was in a good position despite losing three quick wickets in the final session of the second day.

“It’s the way we play our cricket. If they have plans like that and we go into our shell, it would be totally against what we do. We lost a couple of wickets but we’re in a good position,” the English opener added.