'It was a compliment, he was incredible' - Ben Duckett clarifies old 'Bazball' comment on Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal slammed several records during England's five-match Test tour of India earlier this year. Meanwhile, England opener Ben Duckett, who played some enterprising knocks during the series, garnered a lot of criticism after asking people to give credit to his compatriots for Yashasvi's aggressive batting display.

Former cricketers and cricket pundits lambasted Duckett for not appreciating Jaiswal. However, eight months after the series, the left-handed batter has opened up on his statement.

"It was actually me paying him (Jaiswal) a nice compliment. I'm pretty sure I said he was a world-class player, but no one spoke about that. Would I have said what I did during the fifth Test? No, because he played like that throughout the whole series and he was incredible," Duckett told Daily Mail.

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Duckett also revealed how England's Test coach Brendon McCullum's words helped him to become the best version of himself as a batter, instead of being like the orthodox openers in the game.

"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," said Duckett.

I want the next two years to be even better: Ben Duckett

Duckett has been one of England's best batters in the 'Bazball' era. However, the 29-year-old isn't content with what he has achieved and is looking to go from strength to strength in the next two years.

"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."

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Duckett will be in action during England's three-match Test series at home against Sri Lanka. The first match gets underway on Wednesday, August 21, at Old Trafford, Manchester.