Pak vs Eng, 7th T20I – Ben Duckett

Duckett’s form in this series has put him in prime position to be the man that Matthew Mott and Jos Buttler call up if a batter goes down injured in Australia (none of England’s traveling reserves are specialist batters). For the time being, he expects to spend the tournament at home in Nottingham after a holiday to Mexico with his girlfriend.

It has been a compelling return to international Cricket after six years away, with the exception of a one-off T20 international cap in 2019. Duckett turned 22 during his first England tour, to Bangladesh in 2016, and returned from India weeks later with his Reputation in tatters despite a stunning breakthrough year for Northamptonshire in county cricket.

“I was a kid,” they said. “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.

“I never doubted that I couldn’t play spin: I found it extremely funny when people said I couldn’t play spin – and people still do until this tour – because I know in myself it’s my strength”

“He is more than just an offspinner, 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.

“I never doubted that I couldn’t play spin: I found it extremely funny when people said I couldn’t play spin – and people still do until this tour – because I know in myself it’s my strength. I’ve obviously been working is facing it but I know for a fact if I faced Ashwin in India right now, it would still be hard work, but I would back myself to put in a bit of a better performance than I did last time.”

But he suggests that, at 27, he is approaching his peak as a player and has a better understanding of the expectations that come with being an international cricketer.

“At 20, 21, you think the whole world is against you and you put a lot of pressure on yourself,” he said. “But a lot of my success over the last year or two is that I’ve just been happy playing cricket.

“A lot of people probably, whether they get themselves in trouble or get themselves into things, when they first get into the England team it’s probably a little bit of a shock. Mine was only a brief tour and then I was out of it. I think it does come with age. I’m fortunate now that this isn’t my first tour at 27. I’ve had that taster, and I know how tough it can be with everything that comes with playing for England.”

“I’d love to be part of the Test squad,” he said. “My game is very suited for that Squad of players: Stokesy and [coach Brendon] McCullum, it just seems they let you go and play with freedom. It takes all pressure off, which I think a lot of Test players have struggled with over the last few years because it is extremely hard. I think this era of Test Cricket is pretty exciting to be involved in.

“Three or four years ago I would probably have put too much pressure on myself, but I’ve come into this series just Thankful that I’ve got the opportunity. It was good to start well, I think, and that’s made it much better. I would love to be out in Australia but it’s been a long summer. I’ll try to get a score in the last game, and win 4-3, and go home.”