Not Ben Stokes!! Ben Duckett credits this man for transforming his batting style

England’s Test opener Ben Duckett has transformed his game under the guidance of head coach Brendon McCullum. Rather than embracing the traditional approach of previous openers, Duckett has been encouraged by McCullum to become the best version of himself at the crease.

The 29-year-old batter stressed that this mindset has led him to focus on his strengths, even if it means taking risks that others might avoid.

In recent years, Duckett has demonstrated a fearless approach in Test cricket, embracing his natural game rather than adjusting to a more conservative style, a unique blend of aggression and precision, thanks to England’s head coach in the format.

Brendon McCullum's influence sparks Ben Duckett's evolution as England’s dynamic Test opener

This approach and style helped the left-handed batter score heavily in areas where others might hesitate.

However, this approach has its challenges, including the occasional nick behind, but Duckett’s commitment to his style has paid off with significant runs on the board to his name.

Ben Duckett was quoted as saying by The Daily Mail: “It was Baz (McCullum) who said: ‘Why do you have to go and bat like these previous openers? Why can’t you be the best version of yourself?’ That’s what I am. It has its downfalls: I nick off quite a lot. But I’ve also scored a lot of runs in that area. If I start to leave more balls, I bet you I’d still nick off and score a lot less runs.”

Meanwhile, Duckett's drive for continuous improvement as a batter is evident in his mindset.

Despite having enjoyed a successful couple of years in Test cricket, the England opener said that he remains hungry for more success and runs, as he is aiming to lift his game to even greater heights.

This relentless pursuit of excellence has taken his batting to new levels, though Duckett admitted that it’s difficult to identify exactly what has changed, he is focused on maintaining his unique approach while continuing to refine his skills to be ready for the challenges ahead.

I’m the kind of guy who’s never satisfied: Duckett

The England opener is determined to keep pushing the boundaries of his performance, ensuring that the next chapter of his career is even more successful than the last.

He is currently gearing up for the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on August 21 in Manchester.

Duckett added, “If you’d have offered me in 2022 the two years I’ve had, I’d have snapped your hand off. But I’m the kind of guy who’s never satisfied. I want the next two years to be even better. My batting has felt like it has gone to a different level, which I can’t really put my finger on.”

In the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, the Englishman faces the challenge of stepping up as the senior opener. With Zak Crawley sidelined due to a broken finger and Dan Lawrence stepping in to fill the void, Duckett will need to take on more responsibility at the top of the order.

Duckett signed off by saying, “We’ve only lost one match as a pair. Annoyingly it was against Harry Brook and Zak, who both play off scratch. If I could open with anyone in the world, it would be Zak. The partnership we’ve evolved together is something I really will miss this series. But it’ll be good fun opening with Lozza. Hopefully, he can get the best out of me like he does on the golf course.”