Ben Stokes in beast mode: Ben Duckett fires strong warning to Australia for Ashes

Ben Duckett has issued a strong warning to Australia ahead of the Ashes, declaring that Ben Stokes is in “beast mode” and has been training relentlessly for the high-stakes five-match Test series.

Stokes is one of only three all-rounders in men’s Test cricket history to score over 7,000 runs and take more than 200 wickets, joining the elite company of Gary Sobers and Jacques Kallis.

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Renowned for his heroic unbeaten 135 in the 2019 Headingley Test, Stokes will once again be expected to lead from the front as England aim to secure their first Test series win on Australian soil since 2010-11.

“I can only say we've been out here for a few days and he's been in beast mode," Duckett told the Willow Talk podcast.

“He has been running, bowling two spells, batting for two hours. The way he trains and stuff these days is something that I've never seen before,” Duckett said.

STOKES CRUCIAL FOR US

Duckett emphasised the importance of Stokes in the England team and hoped for their captain to stay fit for all five Test matches.

“He's probably the most important man in this side when he's bowling. So hopefully he stays fit for all five tests and he's bowling in all of them because he's crucial for us,” Duckett added.

Duckett also mentioned that England’s game plan for the series would centre on assessing situations smartly and adapting their approach as needed.

“There are moments as an opening batter, for example, it could be at Perth where we've got five overs to see at the end of the day.

“And I did it against India last summer, where actually [we batted] just get through it. I don't care how many runs you've got, just be there in the morning,” Duckett added.

The Ashes is scheduled to start on Friday, November 21 with the opening Test at the Perth Stadium.

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