Ben Duckett is England’s answer to Virender Sehwag: David Lloyd

Former England cricketer and commentator David Lloyd has revealed that the England opener Ben Duckett is the nation’s answer to the former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, adding that he would walk in the World XI as an opening batter.

Notably, Lloyd’s comments came after Duckett smacked a 149-run knock in England’s 371-run chase in the fourth innings of the Leeds Test against India. Moreover, Duckett also scored an exceptional half-century in the first innings, ending the game as the player of the match.

Furthermore, the former England star also hailed Duckett for his exceptional use of the reverse sweep against the Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Also, he talked about the origin of the shot with Duckett being a good hockey player in his school.

“Ben Duckett has come a long way since he poured a drink over Jimmy Anderson on an Ashes tour. He is now England’s answer to Virender Sehwag and opening the batting in your World XI. The reverse sweep is such a natural shot for him. He plays it for fun. It’s no surprise to learn he was a good hockey player at school because it’s like a hockey shot,” Lloyd wrote in his Daily Mail column.

Duckett has accumulated 2621 runs in 34 Tests at an average of 43.68 and a mind-boggling strike rate of 86.19. On the other hand, Sehwag ended his international career with 8586 runs from 104 Tests at an average of 49.34 and a strike rate of 82.24. 

It’s important to note that Duckett started off his career in 2016 and had a series of flops against India and Bangladesh in sub-continent conditions. However, he waited for six years to get another chance in December 2022 and he didn’t look back since then.

The second Test between India and England will take place at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting on Wednesday, July 2.

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