Ashes | Twitter stunned as under-pump Duckett responds by taking Bazball to new extremes in Melbourne
Ashes trips Down Under and off-field troubles are synonymous in English cricket history, and Ben Duckett has become the latest casualty in the affair. However, the opener roared in the face of mounting pressure on Day 2 at the MCG to play some audacious shots that stunned even Michael Neser.
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International Career
Ben Matthew Duckett was born on 17 October 1994 in Farnborough, Kent. A stylish but powerful left-handed opening batsman, he also has experience as a wicket-keeper. He represents England in all three formats of the game and plays for Nottinghamshire in the English County Championship.
Ben’s international journey is a story of resilience. He first joined the England squad in 2016 for the tour of Bangladesh and India, making his debut in both Test and ODI cricket. However, after a difficult time against top-tier spin in India, he was dropped from the side for several years. He didn't let this discourage him. Instead, he went back to domestic cricket, refined his game, and made a spectacular comeback.
In 2024 and 2025, Ben became an indispensable part of the Test team’s opening pair. He set records for his rapid scoring rates and his unique ability to play the "sweep" shot against almost any bowler. His 2025 season was particularly historic, starting with a record-breaking performance in the ICC Champions Trophy and continuing through a high-pressure home series against India.
His Twenty20 International debut came in 2019 against Pakistan. It wasn't until 2022 that he truly established himself in the T20 side during the historic tour of Pakistan, where he was one of the leading run-scorers, helping England win the series 4–3.
2016
- October: Made his ODI debut against Bangladesh, scoring two half-centuries in his first three matches.
- October 28: Made his Test debut against Bangladesh in Chittagong.
- November: Played in the Test series against India but struggled against their world-class spinners and was subsequently left out of the squad for several years.
2022
- September: Recalled for the T20I series in Pakistan. He scored 233 runs in the series, proving he was a much more mature and versatile player.
- December: Made a triumphant return to Test cricket. In the Rawalpindi Test, he smashed 107 runs on a historic day where England scored over 500 runs.
2023
- June: Smashed a brilliant 182 against Ireland at Lord’s, reaching his century in just 101 balls.
- June-July: Played in the intense Ashes series against Australia, scoring 386 runs and proving he could handle the world’s best pace attack.
- September: Scored his maiden ODI century (107* off 78 balls) against Ireland.
2024
- February: During the tour of India, he played a legendary attacking innings in Rajkot, scoring 153 off just 151 balls.
- April: Named in the squad for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
2025
- February: Started the year with a bang at the ICC Champions Trophy, smashing a career-best 165 off 143 balls against Australia.
- June: During the home Test series against India, he was in peak form, scoring a landmark 149 runs at Headingley.
- Summer: Finished the India Test series with a total of 462 runs, averaging over 50.
- October: Continued his white-ball dominance with half-centuries against the West Indies.
2026
- January: Despite a tough Ashes tour in Australia, he rebounded in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, scoring a vital 62 in Colombo.
- March: Set to make his highly anticipated debut in the IPL.
Leagues Participation
Beyond the IPL, Ben is a seasoned traveler in global cricket leagues. His "see-ball, hit-ball" style makes him a valuable asset in the shortest format.
Indian Premier League
For years, Ben Duckett was one of the most successful T20 players not to have played in the IPL. That changed in late 2025 when his consistent international performances and his ability to dominate spin made him a "must-have" for franchises.
Delhi Capitals
In the IPL 2026 Auction held in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, Ben Duckett was signed by the Delhi Capitals for 2 crore rupees. The franchise viewed him as the perfect replacement for the departing Harry Brook, looking for a batter who could set the tone at the top of the order or provide stability in the middle.
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Year
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Team
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Notes
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2016-2024
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Unsold / Withdrawn
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Frequently entered the auction but stayed focused on English red-ball cricket.
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2025
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Delhi Capitals
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Bought in the December auction to bolster the squad for the 2026 season.
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2026
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Delhi Capitals
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Set for his IPL debut; expected to be a key left-handed option for the team.
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Ben has expressed great excitement about joining the IPL, noting that playing in Indian conditions will help him further refine his game against world-class spinners.
Franchise Highlights
In the UK, he is a cornerstone for the Trent Rockets in The Hundred, where he helped them win the title in 2022. He has also spent significant time in Australia's Big Bash League and South Africa’s SA20.
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Year
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Team
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Notes
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2020–2022
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Brisbane Heat (BBL)
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One of their most reliable overseas players.
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2021–Present
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Trent Rockets
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A local hero at Trent Bridge in The Hundred.
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2024–2025
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Melbourne Stars (BBL)
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Signed for the Australian summer season.
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Domestic Career
Ben Duckett’s domestic career is a testament to his ability to dominate county attacks with a flair that looks more like international "Bazball" than traditional red-ball cricket. He began his journey as a teenager at Northamptonshire, making his first-class debut in 2013. His early years were defined by staggering numbers, particularly in 2016, when he amassed 2,706 runs across all formats. This legendary season saw him hit two "daddy" double-centuries (against Sussex and Kent) and a maiden List A double-hundred (220 off 131 balls*) against Sri Lanka A.
In 2018, seeking a new challenge at one of the country's historic venues, Ben moved to Nottinghamshire. Since then, he has become the heartbeat of the batting lineup at Trent Bridge. He signed a major contract extension in May 2025, committing his future to the club after helping them maintain their status as one of the most aggressive teams in the County Championship.
Nottinghamshire and The Hundred
At Trent Bridge, Duckett has evolved from a middle-order "basher" into a world-class opener. His partnership with the red ball has been particularly fruitful; in 2022, he averaged 72.28 to help Nottinghamshire win Division Two. Even with his heavy England schedule in 2025, Ben returned to domestic duty whenever possible, notably scoring a defiant 133 against Durham* to save a match for his county.
In the shorter formats, Ben is a icon for the Trent Rockets (and previously Birmingham Phoenix). His 360-degree stroke play—especially his clinical reverse sweep—has made him one of the highest-paid players in The Hundred. In the 2025 season, despite missing games due to the India Test series, he remained a top-tier draft pick, known for his ability to strike at over 150.00 from the first ball.
Career Statistics (as of early 2026)
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Format
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Matches
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Runs
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Average
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Highest Score
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First-Class
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166
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11,613
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42.22
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282*
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|
List A
|
124
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4,890
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44.15
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220*
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T20s
|
210
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5,397
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30.32
|
96*
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Throughout his domestic career, Ben has been a pioneer of the modern English style. He often credits the freedom he was given at Northamptonshire for his current success on the world stage. Whether it’s captaining the Welsh Fire in the inaugural season of The Hundred or leading the charge for Nottinghamshire, Duckett’s domestic pedigree remains the foundation of his international stardom.
Records and Achievements
Ben has rewritten several record books, particularly regarding his scoring speed.
- Fastest 150 at Lord’s: Reached the milestone in just 150 balls against Ireland in 2023.
- Bazball Pioneer: Holds one of the highest strike rates for a Test opener in history (over 85.00).
- Champions Trophy Record: Scored a massive 165 against Australia in 2025, one of the highest individual scores for England in the tournament.
- Double PCA Winner: The only player to win both senior and junior "Player of the Year" awards in one season (2016).
Personal Life
Ben is a grounded person who has learned from both his successes and his mistakes. He is known for his honesty and his love for the "Nottingham life."
Family and Lifestyle
Born in Kent, Ben was a natural athlete from a young age. He attended the prestigious Stowe School on a scholarship. He currently lives in Nottingham, near the Trent Bridge ground. In his free time, he is an avid golfer and loves spending time with his dog.
Home and Cars
Ben Duckett is currently based in Nottingham, England, which serves as his primary residence due to his long-term commitments with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. He maintains a modern lifestyle typical of a top-tier international athlete, often splitting his time between the UK and various global cricket hubs for tournaments like the IPL and BBL. In terms of transportation, Duckett has demonstrated a preference for high-performance and luxury vehicles; he has been frequently associated with the Land Rover brand, specifically utilizing a Range Rover for his commutes and personal travel. This choice reflects a balance of status and practicality required for an athlete frequently traveling between training facilities and international airports.
Finance
As of March 2026, Ben Duckett’s financial portfolio is at its strongest, with an estimated net worth of 10–12 crore. His primary earnings are driven by a high-value England Central Contract, supplemented by a newly acquired ₹2 crore contract with the Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2026 season. Beyond international and franchise cricket, Duckett commands top-tier retainers in The Hundred with the Birmingham Phoenix and a lucrative long-term deal with Nottinghamshire in the English County Championship. His commercial value is further bolstered by endorsement partnerships with major cricket manufacturers, reflecting his status as one of England’s premier all-format opening batters.
Scandals
In 2017, Ben faced a major scandal in Australia after a social incident involving teammate James Anderson. He was suspended and many thought his career was over. However, he used the time away to grow as a person, eventually earning his way back into the team through sheer hard work and a better attitude.
Fans
Ben has over 150,000 followers on Instagram. Fans love him because he plays with a smile on his face and isn't afraid to take risks. He is often seen as the "heart" of the England dressing room.