London, April 1 – England’s left-handed opener, Ben Duckett, said there were “no excuses” for his off-field behavior during the Ashes and vowed to become more professional in order to prolong his international career.
A video emerged of Duckett appearing intoxicated during England’s mid-series break in Noosa, which was one of several drink-related incidents that marred the team’s trip to Australia.
The tour was a disappointment for Duckett, who averaged 20.20 with a high score of 42 as England lost the Ashes 4-1, and was an unused member of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the Men’s T20 World Cup.
“I need to be better at dealing with being in the public eye. I probably had a week at home since October, so it can be tough, but that is certainly no excuse for some of my actions. Reflecting on the World Cup and looking back over my winter, I am not getting any younger, and I don't want to be having niggles.
“When my England career comes to an end, I want that to be down to lack of runs and not injuries. It's about prolonging my career and being as fit as I can so that part of my game is never going to be an issue,” Duckett was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
To retain his Test team spot, Duckett pulled out of his IPL deal with Delhi Capitals and will instead play county cricket for Nottinghamshire. “The IPL is the best franchise tournament in the world, and you are playing against the best players around, so it would have been great for my game.
“But I have to look at myself and what I prioritise, and that is playing cricket for England. Trying to score red-ball runs will hopefully help me out later in the summer,” he added.
Duckett admitted to disappointment over his batting performance in the Ashes, but said he would not dwell on it. “I'm very disappointed with how I went. It wasn't the campaign I was hoping for, but now it's about not dwelling on it too much.
“There are lots of different things I can look at, but you can also look at holding your hands up and saying 'well played' to the opposition. It was extremely tough, and Australia's bowling unit from start to finish was incredibly difficult. I felt in good touch throughout, but didn't go on to get a big score.”
Duckett added that England must tighten up while maintaining their attacking style when they play Tests against New Zealand at home in June. "We have spoken about making Test cricket exciting again and wanting kids to watch it again. We have done that. Now it is about bringing results in, winning more consistently, and being one of the best sides in the world.
"I think we have to stick with what works for us and tighten up around areas like closing out and winning more games. We have a group of players picked for how we play. Speaking for myself, I get the best out of myself when I am trying to be positive and put pressure on myself. I know at times that won't work, but if I try and reinvent my game now at the age I am at, I don't think my career will go up, only down," he concluded.
