Ben Duckett sheds light on the Indian pace challenge and says, 'It’s going to be tough no matter how flat the pitches are'
In the looming battle between the England and India cricket teams, the spotlight often gravitates towards the epic fight between England's batters and India's formidable spin attack. However, according to England opener Ben Duckett, there's another challenge waiting for the visitors—the relentless pace attack from the hosts.
Reflecting on the 2021 tour of England to India, Duckett acknowledged the initial success of England in Chennai but emphasised the subsequent struggle against the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, who collectively claimed 60 wickets, leading India to a 3-1 victory.
As the upcoming series approaches, India's spin arsenal expands to include Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Despite the absence of Mohammed Shami due to injury, India boasts a formidable fast-bowling unit with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan.
Duckett said, “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. I’ve obviously just played against, in my eyes, the best seam attack in the world this summer.”
He added, “I think the preparation in Abu Dhabi will be focused on 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.”