Duckett rested as Curran earns recall

ENGLAND have taken decisive action after back-to-back ODI defeats against South Africa, resting the weary Ben Duckett from the forthcoming T20s and recalling Sam Curran for the first time this year.

- BY RORY DOLLARD

There have been calls to give Duckett a break ahead of this winter’s Ashes, with the lively left-hander looking unusually subdued in the Metro Bank Series against the Proteas.

Duckett is a first-choice all-format player, and is earmarked for a vital tempo-setting role against Australia this winter, but a draining summer of five full-blooded Tests against India followed by a month of The Hundred have taken a toll.

The 30-year-old was off colour during his stint with Birmingham Phoenix in August and was unable to find rhythm as South Africa wrapped up wins at Headingley and Lord’s. He will now sit out the three 20-over games against the Proteas next week, though it remains to be seen if he will retain his spot at opener for Sunday's third ODI in Southampton.