England test opener Ben Duckett is set to take over a similar role in the ODI format for the upcoming five-match series against Australia at home.
The left-handed batter had a brilliant run in the top order stitching a partnership with Zak Crawley in Test format.
In recent days, England has been struggling with their opening combination in ODIs. Despite Phil Salt has emerged as the long-term option, the side has been struggling to find a suitable partner.
England has several options like Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, and Dawid Malan in the past, but they are keen to move on those candidates in a time of transition. They have also tested out Will Jacks at the top of the order, but the right-hand batter has mixed returns.
England has also tested out Will Jacks at the top of the order, but the right-hand batter has been featuring in No. 3 and 4 across 11 innings. His left-hand option at the top provided an excellent working relationship in red-ball cricket with coach Brendon McCullum, who will take over the White-ball cricket duties in January.
Duckett will reportedly have a brilliant run at the top as England is anticipating the exploits of left-handed openers like David Warner and Devon Conway.
Duckett has contributed as an opener for the Birmingham Phoenix during The Hundred 2024, scoring 269 runs in seven innings and finishing as the second-highest run-scorer. The Melbourne Stars have also picked him as a No.1 draft for the Big Bash League 2025 season.
Duckett made his ODI debut as early as 2016 during the tour of Bangladesh. Despite recording two fifties in his first three innings, the southpaw hasn’t featured in an ODI for almost seven years. He returned during the tour of South Africa but struggled for runs.
During the home ODI series against Ireland, where he recorded his maiden ODI ton. He was also part of the team that toured the Caribbean after the 2023 ODI World Cup defeat.
England leveled the T20I series 1-1 and will be playing their first ODI match on September 19 at Trent Bridge.
