England might be on the brink of a series whitewash against India, but Ben Duckett insists that their true mission lies ahead—the Champions Trophy.
With a string of losses piling up, the team remains unfazed, knowing that success in next month’s major tournament will overshadow their current setbacks.
Prioritizing the Bigger Picture
After suffering back-to-back four-wicket defeats, England now trails 1-7 across the eight limited-overs matches in India.
However, Duckett is keeping his eyes on the bigger prize.
“This is a massive series, but the Champions Trophy is the big competition.
If we lose 3-0 to India, I don’t care as long as we beat them in the final of the Champions Trophy,” Duckett stated.
“If we do that, we probably won’t even look back at this.”
With England undergoing a restructuring phase under head coach Brendon McCullum, the focus remains on building a team capable of delivering when it truly matters.
Learning from the Challenges
India has always been a tough hunting ground for England in one-day cricket.
Their last series win in India dates back to 1984, making this their seventh consecutive ODI series loss in the country.
Despite the setbacks, England remains committed to their aggressive brand of cricket, famously dubbed ‘Bazball.’
“We are playing one of the best sides in the world in their conditions, and we are quite a new group under Baz.
We have come here for one thing, and that is to win the Champions Trophy,” Duckett emphasized.
The team believes that the conditions and opposition in the Champions Trophy will be different, allowing them to find their rhythm and peak at the right time.
Pakistan, where the tournament will be hosted, presents a new challenge, but England remains optimistic about their chances.
England’s Batting Woes Continue
One of the recurring themes in England’s defeats has been their inability to capitalize on strong starts.
Opening partnerships of 75 and 81 between Duckett and Phil Salt failed to translate into match-winning totals, exposing England’s middle order to collapses.
Duckett himself was in contention for a century in the last game, but his aggressive approach led to a dismissal while attempting to clear the ropes against Ravindra Jadeja.
“I am not content with getting 65. This format really excites me.
I have the opportunity to make it my own,” he said. “I could have gone into my shell, but I’d rather play my way.”
World Cup Qualification Concerns Loom
Adding to England’s struggles is a potential qualification battle for the 2027 World Cup.
Currently ranked seventh, England risks slipping further in the rankings when the annual update occurs this spring.
Only the top eight teams at the end of 2026 will secure direct entry, while the next two teams will have to battle it out in a qualifying tournament.
England’s poor run in the current cycle—losing seven of their last ten ODIs—does not help their case.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan and West Indies, currently below England in the standings, are improving their records and could overtake them soon.
Injury Concerns Mount for England
As England prepares for the final ODI in Ahmedabad, injuries are beginning to pile up.
Jamie Overton is the latest player to pick up a knock, with a foot issue that requires further assessment.
Jacob Bethell has already been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a hamstring strain, while Jamie Smith is working his way back from a calf injury ahead of the squad submission deadline on Wednesday.
With their focus firmly set on the Champions Trophy, England will be hoping to put this disappointing tour behind them and find form at the right moment.
Can they turn things around in time for the tournament? That remains the biggest question.