Duckett insists he leaves the Ashes behind, heading to Australia after a flamboyant finish to the Pakistan tri‑series.
He arrived last winter hailed as a top all‑format batter, yet managed only 20.2 average with a highest of 42 across ten innings as England fell 4‑1.
A video then spread online, appearing to show him tipsy and bewildered during England’s contentious mid‑tour stop in Noosa.
Still, his ODI record versus Australia shines: 470 runs in six games at 78.33, highlighted by centuries in Bristol 2024 and Lahore last year.
Fresh off two more hundreds at Gaddafi Stadium last week, he departs for Perth on November 13, brimming with optimism for the three‑match series.
He told the Press Association: “It’s a different coloured ball and a different format from the Ashes.”
“I’ve got two ODI hundreds against Australia. It’s a completely different format, so I’ll draw confidence from this Pakistan tour into Australia.”
Three straight defeats in Pakistan left England bottom of the tri‑series, but they capped the tour with a win over Sri Lanka, Duckett scoring a career‑best 167.
Although his Test form has faded over the past year, the left‑handed opener ranks among England’s most reliable 50‑over players this season, averaging 56.7.
With Jacob Bethell sidelined by a knee injury, Duckett has forged a strong opening stand with Tom Banton, the pair averaging 71 together.
Banton has piled up five fifties in six innings, including his maiden ODI hundred last month, giving England a welcome boost while Bethell recovers. For my money, this partnership could be England’s secret weapon.
Duckett added: “Opening with Tom has been great. We haven’t had many games yet, but the little sample we have shows it’s working well.”
“It means many players are performing, and with Jacob returning, he’s proven his worth in an England shirt.”
“These are good problems to have, and ones I’m sure the selectors and coaches welcome.”
Hussain: We all know Duckett is high class
“We all know he’s a high‑class player. He’s had a quiet couple of months, and with the upcoming cricket calendar, regaining form was crucial.”
Former England fast bowler Mark Wood on Ben Duckett:
“If you’ve had a long career you’ll go through ups and downs.”
“Playing innings like that – he clearly loves Lahore, his two best scores are there – but they came in different times and competitions, so his character deserves praise.”
You can see that steel and determination almost when people question him, whether it’s about other players possibly entering the side.
Whether Bethell is in or not, he has stepped up, saying: ‘Hold on, this is my spot and I’ll keep it.’
Schedule for England’s tour of Australia
ODIs 3.30am UK time, with T20s 8.15am UK time
- First ODI: Friday, November 13 (Perth)
- Second ODI: Sunday, November 15 (Adelaide)
- Third ODI: Wednesday, November 18 (Hobart)
- First T20I: Saturday, November 21 (Melbourne)
- Second T20I: Tuesday, November 24 (Carrara)
- Third T20I: Friday, November 27 (Brisbane)
- Fourth T20I: Sunday, November 29 (Sydney)
- Fifth T20I: Wednesday, December 2 (Canberra)