Ben Duckett on Test Cricket Uncertainty and Why He’s Never Fully Satisfied with His Game

Ben Duckett returned to Test cricket just over two years ago, maybe even praying that his second attempt would be more successful than his first.

Not only is he a mainstay of the squad these days, but he is also one of its most blatant spokesmans, without pausing to respond to questions about why England’s Bazballers continue to draw criticism despite their 17 frequently exciting victories in 26 Test matches.

‘In the world we live in, some people can never be happy, and can never make positive comments,’ he says. ‘They’re always looking to dig and criticise the way anyone plays.

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‘The way we play our cricket, with a smile on our faces, gets perceived that we don’t care as much. But I can tell you that every single person who walks out on that field is desperate to win. We just want to do it in a slightly more entertaining way. I think we have done that.

After the Ashes last year, I played in the Hundred, and so many young people approached me and said they had watched the Ashes and were impressed with the team’s performance. It is precisely the reason we do it.

The same names are frequently linked to England’s new style: Brendon McCullum, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, and Zak Crawley. Despite his misgivings during his six-year absence from the team, Duckett has established a strong resume on his own.