England batter Ben Duckett praised senior Indian off-spinner R Ashwin, describing him as a world-class bowler ahead of the five-match Test series in India, starting on January 5 in Hyderabad.

Duckett openly admitted that he wouldn't be surprised if Ashwin dismissed him during the upcoming Test series between India and England. Ashwin has been a key player for Team India, particularly in home conditions, and even the off-spinner has a great record against England, taking 88 wickets in 19 Tests, with 74 of them coming in India.

So, Ashwin would be a big threat for the tourists this time as well. Meanwhile, Duckett reflected back on his past encounters with Ashwin, mentioning that in his two matches in India, the off-spinner had dismissed him three times.

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However, Duckett has since improved and become a key player for England. However, the England opener said that he wasn't the first left-handed batter to face difficulties against the veteran spinner.

Ben Duckett was quoted as saying by Sky Sports: “I've played a lot of cricket since then and maturity is a big one for me in those years. The biggest thing this time around is that whatever India throw at me, it's not going to be a shock. I've played on those kinds of pitches.”

He added, “I know full well what to expect when I get out there. I wasn't the last left-hander to struggle out there in those conditions against Ashwin. He's so good everywhere.”

Praising Ashwin, Duckett further mentioned, “I'm sure he's going to get me out again, he's a world-class bowler. But I would back myself now on a good pitch or a flatter pitch to not feel like I have to play aggressive shots or sweep every ball.”

He concluded, “If those pitches are spinning, and with the way this team have played over the last 18 months, I know what my strengths are and I'm certainly not going to die wondering.”

(With Sky Sports Inputs)