Duckett’s teammate and fast bowler, Mark Wood said Duckett was a bowler’s nightmare even during England’s training sessions
England’s Mark Wood celebrates India captain Rohit Sharma’s wicket on Thursday. Pic/PTI
With England beginning their reply to India’s 445 with five runs already on the board, thanks to a penalty awarded due to R Ashwin running on pitch during the India innings, the visitors raced to 207-2, thanks to opener Ben Duckett’s fastest century by an Englishman against India, off just 88 balls.
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Duckett’s teammate and fast bowler, Mark Wood said Duckett was a bowler’s nightmare even during England’s training sessions. “To be that far behind in the game and for him [Duckett] to go out and play like that, showed real bravery and skill. The way India changed the field and then he’d hit it somewhere else, it was such a skillful innings against a good attack. He’s a nightmare to bowl at in the nets. We try to get him to leave one, but he never leaves any. Maybe, he hasn’t got the accolades that he’d like with big scores, but this was his day and it was amazing to watch,” said Wood.
“It’s been hot, he has spent all that time in the field [130.5 overs]. Mentally, to have that capability to then go out there, play those shots with freedom and clarity of mind, and pick the right ball and still be there at the end, credit to him. I’m delighted he’s there in the morning still batting,” added Wood, England’s most successful bowler here with 4-114.
India offie Ashwin also praised Duckett. “I’d have really loved to bowl at him when he was nought, and not 60-70 runs. He’s a very different batsman to bowl at when on 60-70. A couple of shots he hit were really special. Ben is a phenomenal talent. Credit to him, he made a wonderful hundred. I wanted to clap, but the hard core competitor in me did not allow me to clap. Very happy for Ben. Nevertheless, come next time, I’ll try to take him on. That’s just who I am,” said Ashwin.
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