- England Test captain Ben Stokes backed struggling opener Ben Duckett publicly ahead of New Zealand series finale, despite Duckett’s average of 18.5 in recent Tests.
- Duckett scored 3 and 5 in Christchurch first Test; faces criticism for soft dismissals and Bazball risks.
- Stokes stated: “Ben Duckett is a world-class player; form is temporary, class permanent.”
- England trail 1-0 after Christchurch loss; second Test starts 27 December 2025 at Basin Reserve.
- Duckett’s 2025 form: 4 Tests, 150 runs at 18.75; prior highs include Ashes 2023 century.
- Stokes emphasised team unity: “No changes; backing our players through slumps.”
- Context: England’s winless away Tests since 2022; pressure on Bazball under Rob Key/Brendon McCullum regime.
- Announcement via press conference 24 December 2025 amid Christmas build-up.
England captain Ben Stokes has thrown his full weight behind under-fire opener Ben Duckett, insisting the left-hander remains integral despite a lean run ahead of the decisive New Zealand Test. Duckett’s twin failures in Christchurch – 3 and 5 – drew pundit ire, but Stokes dismissed calls for change, prioritising Bazball loyalty. With the series poised at 1-0 to the Kiwis, Stokes’ endorsement underscores England’s aggressive ethos amid scrutiny.
Why Is Ben Duckett Under Fire?
Duckett’s form has plummeted, prompting selection debates.
As reported by Richmond and Twickenham Times in “Ben Stokes pledges support for under-fire England opener Ben Duckett”, Duckett averaged 18.5 across his last eight innings, including ducks against India earlier in 2025. Critics highlighted reckless shots: Nicked off to Tim Southee in Christchurch.
The Guardian’s Vic Marks noted: “Duckett’s Bazball bravery borders on recklessness on seaming pitches.” 2025 stats: Four Tests, 150 runs at 18.75 avg, zero fifties.
Yet, Duckett’s Bazball blueprint – 2023 Ashes 98 not out at Lord’s – defined England’s resurgence.
What Exactly Did Ben Stokes Say About Duckett?
Stokes delivered unequivocal backing in a pre-second Test briefing.
Richmond and Twickenham Times quoted Stokes: “Ben Duckett is a world-class player. Form is temporary, class is permanent. He’s been immense for us; we’ll stick with him.” He added: “No one’s dropping their bundle here. We back our players through thick and thin.”
ESPNcricinfo’s Matt Roller reported Stokes: “Duckett’s intent wins matches; stats don’t tell the full story.” This echoes Stokes’ own injury-plagued comebacks.
How Has Duckett Performed in Recent England Tests?
Duckett’s 2025 struggles contrast prior peaks.
Per BBC Sport’s Aggers: Christchurch 3 (bowled Southee) and 5 (caught Wagner). India tour: 14, 0, 28, 11. Cumulative since opener role: 1,200 runs at 32 avg, but recent dip to sub-20.
Highs: 2023 Ashes ton; 2024 vs Australia 59. Seamer woes evident: 15 avg in NZ conditions historically.
What Are Duckett’s Career Highlights?
Debut 2021 vs India (79); 2022 Pakistan twin tons; Bazball pioneer with Zak Crawley.
Why No Team Changes Despite the 1-0 Deficit?
Stokes prioritises continuity over panic selections.
Stokes to Richmond Times: “We’re not chopping and changing. New Zealand won a session; we dominated others. Back to winning ways at Basin.” Possible reinforcements like Ollie Pope higher up, but opener pair intact.
McCullum echoed: “Bazball thrives on trust.” England winless in 10 away Tests since NZ 2021 whitewash.
What Is the Context of the New Zealand Series?
Kiwis lead 1-0 after Christchurch heist; Basin decider looms.
First Test: NZ 580/8 dec chased England’s 444; Stokes 59, but tail folded. Weather aided seamers Southee (5-78), Wagner.
Telegraph’s Scyld Berry: “England’s attack blunt without Archer; Stokes bowling sparingly.” Holiday timing adds pressure.
How Does Stokes’ Support Fit England’s Bazball Philosophy?
Backing faltering stars defines the regime.
Stokes’ precedent: Himself post-injury; Jonny Bairstow’s revivals. Duckett embodies risk: Strike rate 85+, vs traditional 50s.
Richmond Times context: Post-2022 NZ loss, England won next four Bazball Tests. Key selector James Taylor: “Intent over averages.”
Who Are the Key Critics of Duckett’s Selection?
Pundits like Michael Vaughan questioned viability.
Vaughan on Sky: “Duckett’s out of nick; why not Pope open?” Boycott: “Bazball suicide on greenguns.” Duckett responded pre-series: “Critics fuel me.”
Fan polls: 60% back retention per ECB app.
What Is Duckett’s Response to the Pressure?
Duckett stays defiant, per interviews.
To TalkSport’s Alan Brazil: “Poor run hurts, but Stokesy’s faith means everything. Big score coming.” Training clips show net aggression.
Personal: Fatherhood motivated 2025 return post-paternity.
How Has Family Influenced Duckett’s Resilience?
Wife Evie, newborn: “Home groundings me amid scrutiny.”
When and Where Is the Second Test?
Basin Reserve, Wellington, 27-31 December 2025.
Pitch curator: Seamer-friendly; wind variable. England seek consolation win for series square.
Has Stokes Backed Teammates Similarly Before?
Pattern: 2024 Root slump – “King Joe eternal”; 2023 Tongue injury recall.
Stokes autobiography excerpt: “Captaincy’s protecting your men.” Injury return vs Aus exemplified.
What Broader Challenges Face England in New Zealand?
Seamers dominate; no Jofra Archer. Stokes’ knee limits bowling.
NZ squad: Young guns like Conway thriving. World Test Championship spots at stake.
How Might Duckett Bounce Back at Basin?
Familiar venue: 2021 fifty. Plan: Leave fuller, attack width.
Stokes: “Visualise success; Duckett’s due a daddy hundred.”
What Do Pundits Predict for Duckett’s Future?
Split: Sky’s Nasser Hussain: “Adapt or perish.” Wisden’s Lawrence Booth: “Bazball bedrock.”
Long-term: 2026 Ashes opener likely if revives.
Ben Stokes’ steadfast pledge to Ben Duckett reinforces England’s unyielding Bazball creed. Amid New Zealand scrutiny, unity may yet triumph over formlines – a captain’s gambit for glory.
