Reports: Ben Duckett to open in upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia

Ben Duckett. (Photo Source: Twitter)

To reshape England’s one-day international (ODI) batting lineup, left-hand batter Ben Duckett is set to reportedly be an opener in the upcoming five-match series against Australia.

Duckett has been performing consistently for the Three Lions as a Test opener since November 2022 and has never before opened in ODIs. His previous 11 ODI appearances, spread across eight years, saw him batting at positions three or four. However, according to a Telegraph report, his recent stellar form in Test cricket has prompted the national selectors to consider him for this crucial role in the 50-over format.

The 29-year-old left-hander’s first opportunity as an ODI opener could come at his home ground, Trent Bridge, in the series opener against Australia. Meanwhile, England envisions Duckett as a potential long-term solution, possibly eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

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Ben Duckett last played an ODI for England in 2023

With Brendon McCullum set to take the role of all-format coach from January, Duckett’s promotion as an opener in the 50-over format could be a potential possibility. McCullum has witnessed Duckett’s success as a Test opener firsthand, where he has averaged an impressive 44.1 with a strike rate of 89 since his recall two years ago.

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As a left-hander, he would complement the right-handed Phil Salt at the top of the order, offering England a balanced opening partnership. His ability to score big centuries and control innings draws comparisons to recently retired Dawid Malan and established openers like David Warner and Devon Conway.

His domestic one-day record is promising, with an average of 38.5 and a strike rate of 100 across 82 games. A standout performance for the England Lions in 2016, where he scored an unbeaten 220 off just 131 balls, shows his potential in this format.

England’s squad for the ODI series against Australia:

Harry Brook (c), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, and John Turner.