New Delhi: As the cricket world gears up for the highly anticipated five-match Test series between England and India, starting in June 2025, England opener Ben Duckett is exuding confidence. This series marks the beginning of the next ICC World Test Championship cycle, and Duckett believes that England can capitalize on home advantage to outperform India. His optimism stems from the difference in India’s performance away from home, where they often struggle to replicate their dominant form.
Duckett’s confidence is bolstered by his past encounters with Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Having faced Bumrah in a previous five-Test series, Duckett claims he is well-versed in the Indian bowler’s skills and does not expect any surprises. “I’ve faced him in a five-Test series before. I know what he’s going to do to me, and the good thing about that is I know what skills he has,” Duckett stated. This familiarity gives him an edge, as he believes that if he can navigate the opening spell, there are ample opportunities to score runs against India’s bowling attack.
The upcoming series is significant not only for its competitive nature but also for its implications in the World Test Championship. Duckett’s form at the top will be crucial for England’s success, and he is aware of the challenges posed by India’s bowling lineup, particularly from Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Shami’s red-ball skills are considered equally threatening, but Duckett remains optimistic about England’s chances. “India at home is very different to India away. It’s a side I feel we should beat and we can beat. It’ll be a good series,” he emphasized.
