Ben Duckett hailed R Ashwin as a world-class bowler and admitted that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Indian spinner does dismiss him during the upcoming series.
Ashwin had been one of India’s key players in the longest format of the game, especially in home conditions. In 19 matches against England in Tests, Ashwin has 88 wickets with 74 of them coming in India.
India squad for first two Tests vs England
Duckett has played two matches in India and in all the three innings that he had batted, Ashwin was the one to dismiss him. However, the England batter has improved since then and has become one of their key players up top.
England squad for India series
Speaking to Sky Sports, the opener said that he was ready for the upcoming challenges and had a special word of appreciation for Ashwin. Duckett said that he wasn’t the first left-handed batter to struggle against the veteran spinner who is good everywhere.
“I’ve played a lot of cricket since then and maturity is a big one for me in those years,” Duckett said.
“The biggest thing this time around is that whatever India throw at me, it’s not going to be a shock. I’ve played on those kinds of pitches. I know full well what to expect when I get out there.
“I wasn’t the last left-hander to struggle out there in those conditions against Ashwin. He’s so good everywhere.
Ashwin is a world-class bowler: Duckett
The England opener said that he was sure that Ashwin would get him out this time as well but claimed that he was going to back himself in Indian conditions and wasn’t going to die wondering.
“I’m sure he’s going to get me out again, he’s a world-class bowler. But I would back myself now on a good pitch or a flatter pitch to not feel like I have to play aggressive shots or sweep every ball.
“If those pitches are spinning, and with the way this team have played over the last 18 months, I know what my strengths are and I’m certainly not going to die wondering,” said Duckett.
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