NEW DELHI: England batsman Ben Duckett praised India’s spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, acknowledging him as a world-class bowler ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series.
Despite facing challenges against Ashwin in the past, where he has managed only 15 runs with an average of five in three innings, Duckett recognises Ashwin’s skill and impact as a formidable bowler.
“I wasn’t the last left-hander to struggle out there in those conditions against Ashwin. He’s so good everywhere. I’m sure he’s going to get me out again, he’s a world-class bowler. But I would back myself now on a good pitch or a flatter pitch to not feel like I have to play aggressive shots or sweep every ball,” Duckett told the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.
In the lead-up to the Test series on Indian soil, the spotlight typically gravitates towards the host team’s spin unit. However, Duckett is quick to acknowledge that India’s pace attack is equally potent and capable of causing significant damage, parallel to their star-studded spin lineup.
Duckett shared insights into his approach for the series, discussing both the challenges posed by the Indian bowling lineup and his strategy for facing them on their home turf.
“People talk about how good India’s spin bowling is but at the top of the order against the seam attack it’s going to be tough no matter how flat the pitches are,” Duckett said.
“I’ve obviously just played against, in my eyes, the best seam attack in the world this summer. I think the preparation in Abu Dhabi will be focused around facing the new ball spin. It’s going to be interesting, I don’t think I’ll get out blocking as many times as I did when I was last there,” Duckett added.
India will host England in a five-match Test series which will kick off on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
(With ANI inputs)
Despite facing challenges against Ashwin in the past, where he has managed only 15 runs with an average of five in three innings, Duckett recognises Ashwin’s skill and impact as a formidable bowler.
“I wasn’t the last left-hander to struggle out there in those conditions against Ashwin. He’s so good everywhere. I’m sure he’s going to get me out again, he’s a world-class bowler. But I would back myself now on a good pitch or a flatter pitch to not feel like I have to play aggressive shots or sweep every ball,” Duckett told the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.
In the lead-up to the Test series on Indian soil, the spotlight typically gravitates towards the host team’s spin unit. However, Duckett is quick to acknowledge that India’s pace attack is equally potent and capable of causing significant damage, parallel to their star-studded spin lineup.
Duckett shared insights into his approach for the series, discussing both the challenges posed by the Indian bowling lineup and his strategy for facing them on their home turf.
“People talk about how good India’s spin bowling is but at the top of the order against the seam attack it’s going to be tough no matter how flat the pitches are,” Duckett said.
“I’ve obviously just played against, in my eyes, the best seam attack in the world this summer. I think the preparation in Abu Dhabi will be focused around facing the new ball spin. It’s going to be interesting, I don’t think I’ll get out blocking as many times as I did when I was last there,” Duckett added.
India will host England in a five-match Test series which will kick off on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
(With ANI inputs)
