Ben Duckett's remarkable performance in the recent Test match against India at Headingley has drawn high praise, with former England cricketer David Lloyd going as far as to compare him to the legendary Indian opener, Virender Sehwag. This comparison highlights Duckett's aggressive and fearless approach to batting, which has made him a key player for England.

Duckett's match-winning innings of 149 off 170 balls in the fourth innings was instrumental in England's successful chase of 371 runs. His aggressive strokeplay and ability to dominate the opposition's bowling attack were reminiscent of Sehwag's impact on English bowlers in past Test matches. Lloyd, writing in his column for the Daily Mail, noted that Duckett's reverse sweep is a natural shot for him, which he executes with ease and enjoyment, much like a hockey shot. This shot, in particular, has become a trademark of Duckett's batting style and was on full display during his innings against India, where he scored 31 runs off 12 reverse sweeps against Ravindra Jadeja.

Sehwag, known for his daring batting approach, especially against England, had a significant impact in Test matches. One of his most memorable innings came in 2008 in Chennai, where he scored 86 off 68 balls, helping India chase 387 runs. In 17 Tests against England, Sehwag amassed 821 runs at a strike rate of 75.39, including two centuries and four fifties. Duckett's recent performance has sparked comparisons to Sehwag due to his similar aggressive intent and ability to take on the opposition's bowling attack.

Duckett's journey to becoming a prominent Test opener has been marked by perseverance and growth. After a difficult start to his career in 2016, he had to wait six years for another opportunity in Test cricket. Since his return in December 2022, Duckett has made a significant impact, scoring 2621 runs in 34 matches at an average of 43.68 and a strike rate of 86.19. This impressive record has solidified his position as one of the most destructive openers in world cricket.

His attacking style, combined with a solid technique, allows him to score runs quickly and put pressure on the opposition. Duckett's versatility is evident in his ability to play shots all around the ground, including his signature reverse sweep. His success against spin is particularly noteworthy, as he can maneuver the ball to any part of the field, disrupting the bowler's rhythm and creating scoring opportunities.

While some argue that comparing Duckett to Sehwag might be premature given the difference in the number of Tests played, Duckett's recent form and aggressive approach have certainly captured the attention of cricket fans and experts alike. As he continues to evolve and refine his game, Duckett has the potential to become a long-term fixture in the England Test team and a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.