Ben Duckett’s sensational century in the first Test against India at Headingley has earned him high praise from former England cricketer and commentator David Lloyd, who went as far as to compare him with Indian legend Virender Sehwag.
“Ben Duckett has come a long way since he poured a drink over Jimmy Anderson on an Ashes tour. He is now England’s answer to Virender Sehwag and opening the batting in your World XI. The reverse sweep is such a natural shot for him. He plays it for fun. It’s no surprise to learn he was a good hockey player at school because it’s like a hockey shot,” Lloyd wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.
Duckett delivered under pressure
Duckett was instrumental in England’s record run chase of 371, scoring a commanding 149 off 170 balls. His knock included 21 fours and a six, and it laid the foundation for the victory with a 188-run opening stand alongside Zak Crawley. His stroke-filled innings not only put England in control but also earned him the Player of the Match award.
The left-hander’s Test career has seen a dramatic turnaround. After struggling in his early days during England’s tours of Bangladesh and India in 2016, he was out of the Test side for nearly six years. Since his return, he has emerged as a key figure in England’s top order.
So far, Duckett has played 34 Test matches and scored 2,621 runs in 63 innings at an average of 43.68. His record includes six centuries and 14 half-centuries, with a highest score of 182.
Sehwag played 104 Tests, amassing 8,586 runs in 180 innings at an average of 49.34. His record includes 23 hundreds and 32 fifties, along with two triple centuries — making him one of only three players in the history of Test cricket to achieve that feat.
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