2026-03-28 12:34:18
Ben Duckett is determined to be in the “best shape of [his] life” to retain his place in England’s test team.
The 31-year-old batsman announced this week he was pulling out of a stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) – which means he will be banned until 2029 – to focus on county cricket instead because he knows he needs to work harder to keep being selected for his country, and knows part of that is to get fitter.
He told Telegraph Sport: “I am also prioritising being in the best shape of my life come that first Test. I’ve already started with Pete Sim [England’s fitness coach] I don’t know what will happen with selection, it’s been a long time since the Ashes.
“Fitness has never been the strongest part of my all-round package, that has been scoring runs, but I want to give myself the very best chance.”
Ben is also “going back to the drawing board” with Northamptonshire coach Peter Moores.
He said: “I want to work with people like Peter Moores, who knows my game inside out. It’ll be so refreshing, and good for my game to go back to him. He’s a big part of where I am today. He saw my journey coming from Northants, struggling at Notts, getting me through that period and then into an England dressing room. I’m not saying I’m going all the way back there, but he knows where I’ve come from and will be a massive help for me.
“I said throw balls at me and tell me what you think. He might think I am in a good place, then some runs in the middle change your mindset. He might spot some nuggets that I am doing differently from a year ago. Just keep everything open and relaxed, go back to the drawing board and see if there’s anything to refine.”
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