BEN DUCKETT’S glass is half full. Never half empty.
You can insert your own gags here, but the Nottinghamshirebound left-hander, currently in India with the Lions, is intent on making the most of the second chance handed to him by his country.
Despite not being part of the Ashes squad, Duckett managed to hoover up more than his fair share of headlines Down Under after a pint pouring incident that did little to ease ill-feeling back home towards England’s hapless tourists in last winter’s Ashes.
A fine and a suspension followed for a player with four Test match caps under his belt. The odds of him adding to that tally appeared as unlikely as David Warner scooping an award for being the sport’s best loved performer.
Forward wind just over 12 months, though, and Duckett is back. Admittedly scores of 22 and 1 in the opening two matches of the Lions' tour didn’t represent the statement of intent he was hoping for.
But the fact he is still in his country’s plans represents a mini triumph in itself, particularly after a season to forget in domestic cricket.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to come back into the side and try and score some runs,” he tells The Cricket Paper.
“If I’m honest it did come as a bit of a surprise. When you’re wearing that England badge, it’s what everyone always dreams of doing as a cricketer.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 25,2019 من The Cricket Paper.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 25,2019 من The Cricket Paper.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.