'He is more than just an off-spinner'- England batter Ben Duckett opens up on Ravichandran Ashwin's potential

England batter Ben Duckett has shared his experience of playing alongside senior India offie Ravichandran Ashwin. Even though Duckett played against Ashwin during the Three Lions' visit to India during the 2017/18 season, the duo has played together for Nottingham in English domestic cricket. 

Heaping praise on R Ashwin's bowling potential, Ben Duckett has said that he is more than just an off-spinner as he can spin the ball both ways. At the same time, Duckett also spoke about what it felt like to face the Tamil Nadu cricketer in the nets.

"I was a kid. I don't think anyone knows their game at 20 or 21 - well, I know for a fact that no one does. It takes time. It's been a journey. I'm not a different player, but I have a more mature head on my shoulders,” Duckett was quoted as saying to ESPNcricinfo.

He is more than just an off-spinner: Ben Duckett on Ravichandran Ashwin

"He is more than just an off-spinner, Ashwin. He spins it both ways. He is incredible. I was lucky to play with him when he played for Notts [Nottinghamshire] and I was facing him in the nets every time I could. Not many people will have that opportunity after struggling in Test cricket and then playing with him and facing him in the nets,” he stated.

Although Duckett has struggled against spinners throughout his career including against the likes of veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan, it is Ravichandran Ashwin who has made things more difficult for him.

During England's 2016/17 tour to India, Ashwin dismissed Duckett three times and the latter could only manage to score 18 runs against him. 

Ben Duckett is currently participating in the seven-match T20I series in Pakistan. He showcased an impressive performance in the sixth T20I scoring a quickfire unbeaten 16-ball 26 at a strike rate of 162.5. His knock eventually helped the visitors in levelling the series 2-2.

It now remains to be seen whether the Three Lions will be able to seal the series by winning the decider on Sunday, October 2 which will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.