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Ben Duckett, who opened the game for England, believes Australia will now hate facing Mark Wood in the remaining 2023 Ashes Tests.
Wood was arguably the star of England’s three-wicket victory in the third Ashes test at Headingley as the hosts pulled one back to make it 2-1.
The 33-year-old started clocking over 92mph from the start and took seven wickets in the match, including Fiverr in the first innings.
Speaking to The Guardian, Duckett spoke of how Wood rocked the Australians not only with the ball but also with the bat at Leeds.
“I also know for a fact that Australia wouldn’t want Woody to play those last two games. It’s very strange; how can he run so fast? He’s not a big guy, it’s just arm speed, I guess. He’s very skittery and always there, so I’m happy.” Very because he’s on my team. And it’s not just with the ball, the way he handles the bat has been changing.”
The 28-year-old described Australia as a “nice bunch of guys”, given that they hardly try to intimidate batters, explaining:
“My view of the Australian team is that it’s a very good team. But they’re a nice bunch of guys. Pat Cummins looks like one of the nicest guys in cricket. If I bowled 90mph like him I’d give the batsman a lot of chat. But they didn’t seem They try to intimidate anyone there, they just focus on their skills. It’s cool.”
Wood hit just 24 from eight balls in the Headingley Test first innings, helping England reduce the deficit from 121 to 26. He remained unbeaten at 16 from eight balls as the hosts chased down 251 to win.
“I’m not trying to make people think I’m the best England player ever” – Ben Duckett
Duckett has gone on to praise England’s “Bazball” approach as helping him stay true to his strengths rather than trying to imitate someone. Northamptonshire batter added:
“Two years ago some of my shots were unacceptable. It’s amazing what you can do when you take away the fear of failing. That’s the biggest thing, I’m not trying to make people think I’m the best England opener ever, I’m going to stick to what I’m doing and it will be I have a better chance than if I try to be something I’m not.”
With 237 runs in three innings at 39.50, Duckett is the second-highest runs bowler for England in the 2023 Ashes series.
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