Ben Duckett says there are “no excuses” for his off-field errors during the Ashes and that he is determined to become more professional in order to prolong his England career.
A video emerged of Duckett seemingly drunk during England’s mid-series beach break in Noosa – one of a number of drink-related issues to blight the team this winter.
On the field, Duckett averaged just 20.20 in Australia with a top score of 42 as the tourists were thumped 4-1, while he then did not play a game in England’s run to the T20 World Cup semi-finals.
The 31-year-old has since pulled out of an IPL deal with Delhi Capitals and will instead play red-ball cricket for Nottinghamshire ahead of the first Test of the summer against New Zealand from June 4.
The IPL is the best franchise tournament in the world and you are playing against the best players around so it would have been great for my game. But I have to look at myself and what I prioritise and that is playing cricket for England. Trying to score red-ball runs will hopefully help me out later in the summer.
Ben Duckett on why he pulled out of the IPL
Duckett told Sky Sports News when asked about the difficult Ashes tour: “I have to be better at dealing with being in the public eye.
“I probably had a week at home since October so it can be tough, but that is certainly no excuse for some of my actions.
“Reflecting over the World Cup and looking back over my winter, I am not getting any younger and I don’t want to be having niggles.
“When my England career comes to an end, I want that to be down to lack of runs and not injuries.
“It’s about prolonging my career and being as fit as I can so that part of my game is never going to be an issue.”
Speaking specifically about his dearth of runs in the Ashes, Duckett said: “I’m very disappointed with how I went. It wasn’t the campaign I was hoping for but now it’s about not dwelling on it too much.
“There are lots of different things I can look at but you can also look at holding your hands up and saying ‘well played’ to the opposition.
“It was extremely tough and Australia’s bowling unit from start to finish was incredibly difficult. I felt in good touch throughout but didn’t go on to get a big score.”
‘We’ve made Test cricket exciting – now we need results’
Words such as “ruthless” and “relentless” were used by England managing director Rob Key when he told reporters what he wanted to see from the side going forward, after they threw away a raft of promising positions in the Ashes due to rash strokes.
Duckett says England need to “tighten up” but that the team must still keep their positive mindset.
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Duckett outlined what he would like to see from England this summer and why consistency will be key
He added: “We have spoken about making Test cricket exciting again and wanting kids to watch it again. We have done that.
“Now it is about bringing results in, winning more consistently and being one of the best sides in the world.
“I think we have to stick with what works for us and tighten up around areas like closing out and winning more games.
“We have a group of players picked for how we play and, speaking for myself, I get the best out of myself when I am trying to be positive and put pressure on.
“I know at times that won’t work but if I try and reinvent my game now at the age I am at I don’t think my career will go up, only down.”
Watch England’s home international summer live on Sky Sports, starting with a three-Test series against New Zealand from June 4. Not got Sky? Stream cricket contract-free on NOW.
