Ben Duckett has come to the defense of England captain Joe Root, dismissing criticism of his dismissal while reverse-scooping Jasprit Bumrah during the third morning in Rajkot. Root’s unconventional shot selection has sparked debate among cricket pundits, with some labeling it as reckless.
Root’s departure for 18 runs reignited the conversation about the risks associated with playing such shots in crucial situations. However, Duckett argues that Root’s ability to execute such shots effectively justifies his decision-making process. He compared Root’s reverse-scoop to playing a conventional drive, suggesting that both carry an inherent risk.
The dismissal drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including veteran journalist Scyld Berry, who described it as “the worst, most stupid, shot in the history of England’s Test cricket.” Despite the backlash, Duckett emphasized Root’s past success with the shot and urged critics to acknowledge his capabilities.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of adapting to match situations. Nasser Hussain, another former England captain, emphasized the need for balance in Bazball, acknowledging its thrilling yet unpredictable nature.
Duckett, who himself played an impressive innings of 153 runs, remains optimistic about England’s chances in the match. He highlighted India’s cautious approach, evident in their decision to send in a nightwatchman despite holding a significant lead.
As England prepares to chase a target set by India, Duckett remains confident in the team’s ability to achieve success and create history. He emphasized their commitment to playing an aggressive brand of cricket and expressed readiness to chase down any target set by the opposition.