Controversy at the Kennington Oval

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy concluded with England and India sharing the honors, but not without its share of controversies. The 5th Test at the Kennington Oval became a focal point due to an incident involving Indian pacer Akash Deep and England’s Ben Duckett. After dismissing Duckett, Akash Deep placed a hand around his shoulders and exchanged words, prompting intervention from teammate KL Rahul to prevent further escalation. This act has sparked calls for sanctions from the ICC, particularly from Duckett’s coach, James Knott.

James Knott’s Perspective

James Knott, Duckett’s coach, expressed his belief that Akash Deep’s actions warrant a penalty to set a precedent for young cricketers. While acknowledging the competitive nature of the series, Knott emphasized the importance of maintaining sportsmanship. He stated that such incidents should be discouraged to uphold the integrity of the game.

Ben Duckett’s Performance and Style

Throughout the series, Ben Duckett showcased his aggressive batting style, amassing 462 runs with an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 82.94. Despite England’s shift in strategy during the latter part of the series, Duckett remained committed to his offensive approach. Knott highlighted Duckett’s unique playing style, characterized by his ability to score square of the wicket and execute sweeps on both sides.

Duckett’s Development and Personal Growth

Knott also reflected on Duckett’s journey from a young cricketer to an established player. He noted that Duckett had faced disciplinary actions during his school years but matured through those experiences. Now, as a father and soon-to-be husband, Duckett has gained a broader perspective on life, which has positively influenced his cricketing career.