Ravichandran Ashwin has ripped into England ’s mindset after their 3-0 ODI series defeat to India.

Duckett, who struggled with both the bat and a groin injury in the series, caused a stir after England’s defeat in Cuttack in the 2nd ODI, saying: “We have come here for one thing and that is to win the Champions Trophy. If we lose 3-0 to India, I don’t care as long as we beat them in the final of the Champions Trophy. It’s about peaking at the right time.”

Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin took issue with Duckett’s claim: “Ben Duckett has said similar things in the past too, saying Yashasvi Jaiswal has learnt playing aggressive cricket from England’s Baseball style. I know Ben Duckett and his penchant for humour, but this was no joke and it is like you are hiding your failures behind humour.

“Your 2023 ODI World Cup was pretty bad as well. It isn’t like they are in a bad form over two-three months. It has been the case for four years now. Despite having such a talented group, they are not able to justify their potential.”

Ashwin wasn’t the only one to dig into Duckett’s comments. Earlier, the defiant remarks drew criticism from former England captain Kevin Pietersen, who wrote on X: “Context is important when reading quotes, but those words should NOT have been said!”

Ashwin then turned his attention to Stokes, who missed the tour due to a hamstring injury, but recently admitted he was confused by the WTC structure after England failed to make the final: “Even in Test cricket, I read somewhere a few days ago how Ben Stokes said that he doesn’t understand the points system of the WTC. My only advice to him is that if you don’t understand the points system, then first go and understand it. This is not a joke. You give all these reasons after losing.”

England’s struggles in Ahmedabad summed up their larger problems. Bowled out for just 214 while chasing 357, their batting collapsed under pressure, and their bowlers, barring Adil Rashid, looked ineffective. The defeat sealed a miserable tour, following a 4-1 loss in the T20I series.

Ashwin questioned the lack of accountability in England’s dressing room: “If India played the way England are playing their cricket now, do you think we would have the same captain and coach continue to be at the helm? After coming to India, they discuss the pitch conditions, the kind of food they receive at the hotel… everything but cricket.”

With England’s Champions Trophy campaign starting against Australia on February 22, they have little time to fix their issues. But if they fail to improve, Ashwin’s words will only ring louder.

Want all the latest cricket news direct to your inbox? Share your email and get our Mirror Cricket emails