Ben Duckett outlines England’s new and different strategy to tackle Australia in Ashes 2025-26

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Ben Duckett, England’s left-handed opener, has outlined a strikingly new mindset for the team as they gear up for the Ashes 2025-26 series in Australia. Having been a key figure in England’s ultra-aggressive “Bazball” era under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, Duckett believes it’s time to adapt and evolve rather than rigidly sticking to a single philosophy. Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, Duckett emphasized that England’s approach in Australia won’t merely be about flamboyant stroke play but about calculated resilience.

Duckett stated that the upcoming series represents an opportunity to balance aggression with strategic patience, especially in testing Australian conditions.

“There will be moments when you just need to shut up shop — like facing five overs late in the day on a spicy Perth pitch. It’s about surviving those spells, not trying to be heroic every ball. That’s the growth we’re aiming for as a team,” Duckett said.

Since the start of 2023, Duckett has been England’s most prolific Test opener in terms of runs scored, averaging 35.66 during the last Ashes series. His experience has turned him into a valuable blend of flair and composure, traits that England hopes to replicate across their batting order.

As he prepares for his first full tour of Australia, Duckett acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, especially against one of the world’s most lethal bowling units featuring Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.

“You know how tough it is for touring sides here. I’m not setting personal targets — I’m just focused on giving us strong starts,” Duckett added.

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Apart from tactics, Duckett subtly addressed the contrasting team compositions between England and Australia. The English opener joked that he recently realized he is the fourth oldest in England’s touring squad, which highlights how youthful McCullum’s side has become.

“We’ve got quite a fresh group here, and there’s not a lot of baggage — that helps us,” Duckett remarked, adding a light-hearted jab toward Australia’s aging lineup.

The English camp sees this youthful exuberance as an asset in adapting to different match situations and handling the pressure cooker of an overseas Ashes tour. While Australia boasts a side seasoned by years of dominance, with an average age of 33, England’s squad averages just 28 — a factor Duckett believes gives them energy and fearlessness.

The upcoming series, starting November 21 in Perth, promises renewed intensity between cricket’s oldest rivals. With Australian skipper Pat Cummins sidelined due to injury, Steve Smith will take charge in the opener, adding another layer to the contest’s intrigue. England, meanwhile, will aim to rewrite their narrative after failing to secure an Ashes win on Australian soil since 2010-11.

Duckett’s words underline that England’s focus is shifting from being entertainers to becoming adaptable competitors. As the Ashes countdown continues, his fresh mindset could be the catalyst England need to challenge Australia’s dominance at home.

Also READ: AUS vs ENG: Cricket Australia announces 15-man squad for the first Ashes Test