Duckett revels in ‘dream’ century – however is aware of the Ashes will pose a better problem
B
en Duckett celebrated a dream hundred in his first residence Test, however says he’s beneath no illusions concerning the problem of going through “one of the greatest attacks ever” when the Ashes begin later this month.
Having resumed on 60 in a single day, Duckett went on to reach his second Test century inside the primary hour of day two of the one-off Test in opposition to Ireland at Lord’s.
The Nottinghamshire opener was ultimately out for 186 quickly after lunch, however will head to Edgbaston for the Ashes sequence opener on June 16 along with his place on the high of the order safe.
“It genuinely hasn’t sunk in, I’ll have some food and reflect on it,” Duckett advised the BBC. “It’s been a crazy six months and to start the summer like that and make a century at Lord’s was something I dreamt of as a kid.
“Even 12 months ago I thought I’d never play Test cricket for England again.
“Even with other captains I probably wouldn’t have but Stokesy (Ben Stokes) and Baz (Brendon McCullum) wanted me to open the batting and play the way I’ve played throughout my career and a lot of thanks to them.”
Duckett shared a 252-run second-wicket partnership with Ollie Pope, who went on to make the seventh-fastest double-century in Test cricket history as England dismantled an inexperienced Ireland attack before declaring on 524 for four in reply to the visitors’ 172 all-out.
Australia will no doubt pose a far greater challenge to England’s top order, with the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc making up a world-class seam attack, and spinner Nathan Lyon looking to torment England once more.
“For me is about playing to my strengths and the way I’ve played through my career,” Duckett added. “I might be dissatisfied if I went away from that. I understand how tough that problem can be, particularly on the high of the order, they’re in all probability one of many biggest assaults ever.”