Malik Waqar
England opener Ben Duckett insists he is unconcerned by the prospect of a 3-0 series defeat to India, as long as his side peaks in time to win the Champions Trophy.
England, already 2-0 down in the ODI series, face India in the final match in Ahmedabad on Wednesday before heading to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, where they open their campaign against Australia on 22 February.
“We have come here for one thing, and that is to win the Champions Trophy,” Duckett said. “If we lose 3-0 to India, I don’t care, as long as we beat them in the final.”
England’s white-ball side is in transition under Brendon McCullum, who took over after Matthew Mott was sacked last summer.
The team has struggled, losing six of seven matches on McCullum’s first tour as white-ball coach. They are also yet to win an ODI series in India since 1985.
Despite their struggles, Duckett remains optimistic. “It’s about peaking at the right time. We have been close against this India side without being at our best. Hopefully, we can turn it around in Pakistan.”
England, who are rebuilding after disappointing World Cup campaigns in both 50-over and T20 formats, will face Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy group stage.
Meanwhile, Tom Banton has joined the squad in India after Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old batter is expected to replace Bethell in the Champions Trophy squad.
