Duckett on England’s Approach: “We’re Learning to Be Brave, Not Reckless”

Ben Duckett believes England’s Test team has entered a new phase. One where aggression meets awareness. He says the days of wild swings and wasted chances are giving way to a sharper kind of confidence.

“Honestly, we’re learning when to go hard and when to hang in,” Duckett said on a podcast. “It’s not just about being entertaining anymore.”

That line says a lot. For years, England’s fearless approach drew applause and criticism in equal measure. Some called it brave, others reckless. Duckett feels it’s now more balanced.

The squad in Australia is young, with an average age of 28, and largely unscarred by past defeats. Duckett even joked that he’s among the oldest. “That was tough to see,” he laughed. “But it means we don’t carry too much baggage.”

He’s been England’s most consistent opener since 2022. His 321 runs in the 2023 Ashes proved he can handle pressure. Now he’s eyeing the Australian challenge again, though he knows it won’t be easy.

“You come here knowing it’s tough,” he said. “You’re facing probably the best attack in the world, in their own conditions. I’m not setting targets. I just want to stand there and compete.”

Pat Cummins’ possible absence for the first Test might help, though Duckett didn’t hide his mixed feelings. “You always want to play against the best,” he said. “Still, if he’s missing, it gives us a bit of an edge.”

But the real story lies in England’s evolving style. Bazball once meant chaos. Now it’s maturing into a strategy.

“I think we’ve grown a lot,” Duckett explained. “There are times to attack and times to just get through the day. Like against India last summer, five overs left, and it was all about surviving. Sometimes that’s the win.”

That one moment flipped everything. Fans have noticed the shift, too. The team still plays fast, but smarter. The tone is less wild, more measured. Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes seem to have found the middle ground between flair and patience.

And speaking of Stokes, Duckett’s admiration was clear. “He’s been in beast mode,” he said with a grin. “Running, bowling two spells, batting for hours. It’s unreal. He sets the tone for everyone.”

When asked how crucial Stokes is, Duckett didn’t hesitate. “He’s the most important man for us, no question. When he bowls, the whole team lifts.”

As England prepares for another Ashes summer, there’s a quiet belief that this side is more than a highlight reel. It’s a group learning to win tough moments. To play boldly, but smart.

You could sense it in Duckett’s voice. There is hope and hunger to make an impact. And who knows? This time, England might just surprise a few people.