Ben Duckett celebrated a dream hundred in his first home Test, but says he is under no illusions about the challenge of facing “one of the greatest attacks ever” when the Ashes start later this month.
Having resumed on 60 overnight, Duckett went on to reach his second Test century inside the first hour of day two of the one-off Test against Ireland at Lord’s.
The Nottinghamshire opener was eventually out for 186 soon after lunch, but will head to Edgbaston for the Ashes series opener on June 16 with his place at the top of the order secure.
“It genuinely hasn't sunk in, I'll have some food and reflect on it,” Duckett told the BBC. “It’s been a crazy six months and to start the summer like that and make a century at Lord's was something I dreamt of as a kid.
"Even 12 months ago I thought I'd never play Test cricket for England again.
“Even with other captains I probably wouldn't have but Stokesy (Ben Stokes) and Baz (Brendon McCullum) wanted me to open the batting and play the way I've played throughout my career and a lot of thanks to them."
Duckett shared a 252-run second-wicket partnership with Ollie Pope, who went on to make the seventh-fastest double-century in Test cricket history as England dismantled an inexperienced Ireland attack before declaring on 524 for four in reply to the visitors' 172 all-out.
Australia will no doubt pose a far greater challenge to England’s top order, with the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc making up a world-class seam attack, and spinner Nathan Lyon looking to torment England once more.
"For me is about playing to my strengths and the way I've played through my career,” Duckett added. "I would be disappointed if I went away from that. I know how difficult that challenge will be, especially at the top of the order, they are probably one of the greatest attacks ever."
