Cricket News

‘Ravichandran Ashwin isn’t just an off-spinner’: England batter Ben Duckett speaks highly of Indian veteran

England batter, Ben Duckett is currently with the England squad in Pakistan for the ongoing seven-match T20I series. He has made pretty good returns with the bat, managing 203 runs in 6 matches at an average and a strike rate of 50.75 and 159.84 respectively.

The 27-year-old, recently, heaped praise on Indian veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. It is worth mentioning that the duo played together for Nottingham in English domestic cricket.

In an interaction with ESPN Cricinfo, Ben Duckett talked about facing Ashwin in the nets. The England batter said Ashwin isn’t just an off-spinner as he can spin the ball both ways.

“He is more than just an off-spinner, Ashwin. He spins it both ways. He is incredible. I was lucky to play with him when he played for Notts [Nottinghamshire] and I was facing him in the nets every time I could. Not many people will have that opportunity after struggling in Test cricket and then playing with him and facing him in the nets,” Duckett told ESPN Cricnifo.

Ben Duckett first played against Ashwin during the England tour of India in 2016. The Indian spinner got him out thrice, while the southpaw could only manage to score 18 runs against the veteran spinner.

“I was a kid. I don’t think anyone knows their game at 20 or 21 – well, I know for a fact that no one does. It takes time. It’s been a journey. I’m not a different player, but I have a more mature head on my shoulders,” the English batter said.

In his International career so far, Duckett has played 7 T20Is, scoring 212 runs at an average of 42.4. Besides, in 4 Tests, he has scored 110 runs at 15.7.

The ongoing seven-match T20I series between England and Pakistan is currently levelled at 3-3. The seventh and final T20I is slated to be played on Sunday at Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore.