“Never Seen Him Train Like This Before” – Ben Duckett On Ben Stokes

As England prepares for the much-anticipated Ashes series beginning on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, opener Ben Duckett has hailed Test skipper Ben Stokes as the team’s “most important” player. According to Duckett, Stokes’ recent training intensity has reached another level, something he has never witnessed before.

“I can only say we’ve been out here for a few days, and he’s been in beast mode. He has been running, bowling two spells, and batting for two hours. The way he trains and stuff these days is something that I’ve never seen before,” Duckett said on the Willow Talk podcast.

He emphasised that Stokes’ fitness would be crucial to England’s chances. “He’s obviously probably the most important man on this side when he’s bowling. So hopefully he stays fit for all five tests and he’s bowling in all of them because he’s crucial for us,” he added.

Fresh Faces, New Mindset For The Ashes Tour

Duckett highlighted that England’s touring squad is relatively young, with several players making their first Test appearance in Australia. “This group we’ve got, I actually saw the other day, I’m the fourth oldest, which was tough to see. So we’ve got quite a fresh group coming here where there’s not a lot of baggage, which I think will help us.”

He acknowledged the challenge of facing Australia’s world-class bowling attack but is optimistic about the team’s fearless attitude. “I’m not expecting or setting myself any targets. I know I’m opening the batting against probably the best bowling attack in the world in their home conditions.”

The absence of Pat Cummins from the series opener due to injury might work in England’s favour, though Duckett admitted mixed feelings, “You want to play against the best and you don’t want to have guys like that missing out in series like this. But on the flip side, I’m an opening batter and he’s probably one of the best bowlers in the world.”

Evolving Bazball, From Reckless To Refined

A major focus ahead of the Ashes is how Bazball — England’s aggressive style — will adapt to Australian conditions. Duckett revealed that under Brendon McCullum, the team’s approach has matured. “I think now it’s definitely about reading moments. (Brendon McCullum) will come up to me and say, Now you’re a better player than just getting 40 off 30 and getting us off to a good start.”

He added that the side is shifting from being entertaining, reckless at times, to one that balances aggression with awareness. “I think that’s where we’re trying to go as a team now… It’s realising moments and doing that and then kicking on and getting a big score.”