ben duckett, EnglandThe left-handed opening batsman has outlined a surprising new mentality for the team as they prepare for The Ashes 2025-26 in series AustraliaWas a key figure in England’s ultra-aggressive “baseball” era Brendon McCullum And ben stokesDuckett believes it is time to adapt and evolve rather than stick rigidly to a single philosophy. speaking on willow talk Podcast, Duckett stressed that England’s approach in Australia will not just be about a flamboyant stroke game, but calculated flexibility.
Ben Duckett adopts new England strategy ahead of Ashes 2025
Duckett said the upcoming series represents an opportunity to balance aggression with strategic patience, particularly in testing Australian conditions.
,There will be moments when you just need to shut up shop – like facing five overs late in the day on a spicy Perth pitch. It’s about surviving those spells and not trying to be heroic on every ball. As a team we are aiming for this development,Duckett said.
Duckett has been England’s most prolific Test opener since the start of 2023, averaging 35.66 during the last Ashes series. His experience has transformed him into a valuable blend of flair and composure, something England will hope to replicate in their batting order.
As he prepares for his first full tour of Australia, Duckett acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, especially against one of the most lethal bowling units in the world. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, And nathan lyon,
,You know how difficult it is for visiting teams here. I’m not setting personal goals – I’m just focused on getting us off to a strong start” Duckett said.
Young England team against experienced Australia
Apart from strategy, Duckett also subtly addressed the contrasting team combinations between England and Australia. The English opener joked that he recently realized he is the fourth oldest player in England’s touring team, which highlights how young McCullum’s side has become.
,We’ve got a brand new group here, and there’s not a lot of stuff – that helps us” Duckett commented, taking a light-hearted dig at Australia’s aging line-up.
The English camp sees this youthful exuberance as an asset in being able to adapt to different match situations and handle the pressure cooker of an overseas Ashes tour. While Australia’s team has been dominant for years, with an average age of 33, England’s team averages only 28 – Duckett believes this factor gives them energy and fearlessness.
The upcoming series, starting on November 21 in Perth, promises new intensity between cricket’s oldest rivals. with the Australian captain pat cummins out due to injury steve smith Will take charge in the opener, adding another layer to the intrigue of the contest. Meanwhile, England will be aiming to rewrite their narrative after failing to pick up an Ashes win on Australian soil since 2010-11.
Duckett’s words underline England’s focus on shifting from being entertainers to being adaptable competitors. As the countdown to the Ashes continues, his fresh mindset could be the catalyst for England to challenge Australia’s dominance on home soil.
Also read: AUS vs ENG: Cricket Australia announces 15-man squad for first Ashes Test
