‘No Excuses’ For Ashes Behaviour, Says Duckett; Vows To Be More Professional For Prolonging Career

‘No excuses’ for Ashes behaviour, says Duckett; vows to be more professional for prolonging career (Image Source: IANS)

T20 World Cup: England’s left-handed opener Ben Duckett said there were ‘no excuses’ for his off-field behaviour during the Ashes and has vowed to become more professional with an aim to prolong his international career.

A video emerged of Duckett appearing drunk during England’s mid-series break in Noosa, which was one of several drink-related incidents that marred the team’s trip in Australia.

It was a tour to forget for Duckett, who averaged 20.20 with a top score of 42 as England lost the Ashes 4-1, and was an unused member in the side’s run to the Men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals.

"I have 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 time with the bat 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 admitted to disappointment over his time with the bat 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.

"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.

Article Source: IANS