England Batter Ben Duckett believes that if England needs to win the remaining last two Ashes Tests then Mark Wood will be playing a crucial role for their Team. Mark Wood, who was the Player of the Match, gave a stellar performance in the third Test that led to England’s Victory against Australia in Headingley.
As we are heading to the fourth Test, it is becoming more entertaining and thrilling than never before. Two great teams will be putting their everything on the line to win the fourth Ashes Test. Australia is leading the series 2-1 even after suffering a defeat in the third Test in Headingley. Mark Wood who was making a comeback in the third Test dismantled his opponent’s batting line-up in no time and won the Player of the match for his match-winning performance.
Ben Duckett, England’s left-handed opening batter said that Australia would not want to face Mark Wood in the fourth Test after seeing what this pace bowler is capable of doing to their Team.
“I also know for a fact Australia will not want Woody to play these last two games. It’s so weird; how does he bowl so fast? He’s not a big bloke, it’s just arm-speed, I guess. He’s so skiddy and always at you, so I’m very happy he’s on my team. And it’s not just with the ball, the way he took them on with the bat was game-changing,” Duckett said in an interview with The Guardian.
With the kind of matches, we are seeing in this Ashes 2023 Series, all getting to the best of their capabilities. Australia has slightly a higher chance when it comes to team combination and performance. But England, the hosts, would not want to lose their dignity in the hands of their opponents, they are not too far from giving their best. Meanwhile, the introduction of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood paid well for their team. Duckett spoke about Pat Cummins and the Australian side, mentioning how well-disciplined the Australian Team is.
“My view on the Australian team is that they’re a very, very good team. But they’re a bunch of nice guys. Pat Cummins seems like one of the nicest blokes in cricket. If I bowled 90mph like him I’d give the batter a lot more chat. But it doesn’t feel like they’re trying to intimidate anyone out there, they’re just focusing on their skills. It’s nice,” Duckett said about the Australian side.
“Two years ago, some of the shots I played would have been unacceptable. It’s amazing what you can do when you take away the fear of failure. That’s the biggest thing, I’m not trying to make people think I’m England’s best-ever opener, I’ll stick to what I do and will have a hell of a better chance than if I try to be something I’m not,” Duckett concluded.
