After hitting a masterful century on day two of Nottinghamshire’s LV= County Championship clash with Leicestershire, Ben Duckett extolled the value of piling on the runs in helping his confidence continue to rise.

The hosts concluded their first innings on the second morning, having posted 440 all out, before Duckett’s 145 was complemented by fifties from Joe Clarke and Haseeb Hameed as Notts closed on 373/5.

What made Duckett’s knock all the more glittering was the fact it came in just 153 deliveries, and the Green and Golds at times topped a run rate of five per over throughout the afternoon.

The left-hander explained he felt somewhat uneasy in the early stages of his innings, but professed that his ability to relax increased as his individual total did the same.

“I didn’t start too well today,” Duckett admitted, “but then I went on to feel pretty good, and the balls were there to be hit throughout.

“There’s the odd ball in the pitch, but it’s certainly not a green seamer! The outfield’s so fast here, though, that if you don’t bowl well or put the ball in the right areas for long periods of time, you’ll be punished.

“Generally I know that I am a ’see-ball, hit-ball’ player, but I didn’t aim to score quickly today. It was more just something that happened. ”

Duckett’s innings included 21 fours, providing a platform upon which Notts built their response to the Foxes’ first innings, and the 27-year-old enthusiastically praised his teammates for their support.

Clarke made 89 and shared in a partnership of 198 with Duckett, alongside Hameed’s 59 from 64 deliveries in the innings’ opening stages, and both came in for commendation from Duckett.

“I think Hass [Hameed] started very well, and the two of them will be disappointed they didn’t go on. I know Joe especially will be, after working hard.

“He probably deserved a hundred, but they still provided us with crucial runs. I’m confident they can kick on next time.”

Duckett went on to note his happiness with the position Notts have steered themselves into, and is confident that they can further boost their chances of a positive result as the game heads towards a conclusion.

“We’re happy, certainly with the rate that we scored at. Fingers crossed we can go past them and get a lead tomorrow; if not, then at least level.

“Today it felt like we were getting one or two bad balls per over, so the pressure was off and we were scoring freely.

“We want to then put them under pressure with the ball, and then I think on that pitch, look to chase down anything on the last day. We’re set up for a good couple of days.”

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