Ben Duckett Draws Comparisons to Virender Sehwag After Stunning Century

Duckett's Match-Winning Performance

Former English cricketer David Lloyd has drawn parallels between Ben Duckett and the legendary Virender Sehwag, following Duckett's impressive century that secured a victory for England against India at Headingley during the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

On June 24, Duckett played a pivotal role in England's successful pursuit of 371 runs, finishing with a remarkable score of 149 off 170 balls, which included 21 boundaries and a six, leading to a five-wicket triumph on the final day.

Lloyd highlighted Duckett's performance, likening it to Sehwag's historic innings against England, emphasizing that Duckett's contributions mirror those of the iconic Indian opener in Test cricket. He noted that Duckett's background in hockey has made the reverse sweep a natural shot for him.

Lloyd's Praise for Duckett

In his column for a prominent media outlet, Lloyd expressed:

“Ben Duckett has come a long way since he poured a drink over Jimmy Anderson on an Ashes tour. He is now England’s answer to Virender Sehwag and opening the batting in your World XI. The reverse sweep is such a natural shot for him. He plays it for fun. It’s no surprise to learn he was a good hockey player at school because it’s like a hockey shot,”

Duckett, who also contributed a fifty in the first innings at Headingley, has accumulated 2621 runs across 34 Test matches, boasting an impressive average of 43.68 and a striking strike rate of 86.19. In contrast, Sehwag concluded his international career with 8586 runs in 104 Tests, averaging 49.34 with a strike rate of 82.24.

Duckett's Path to the 3000-Run Club

Sehwag holds the record for the highest strike rate in Test cricket among players with at least 3000 runs. Duckett is on track to potentially join this elite club during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, needing just 379 runs over the next four Test matches.

The upcoming second Test between India and England is scheduled to take place at the historic Edgbaston ground in Birmingham on Wednesday, July 2.