England opener credits weight loss and fitness work for recent Test runs

England opening batsman Ben Duckett said shedding about 6 kg helped him score 113 runs in the third Test against New Zealand. He attributed the performance to a post-winter fitness program that introduced running into his training. Duckett took a four-week break from batting practice after returning from winter commitments.

He said the time away from the nets allowed him to focus on physical conditioning ahead of the current series.

Match developments England dismissed New Zealand’s last six first-innings wickets for 77 runs, finishing the innings at 438. Captain Ben Stokes took three of those wickets in eight overs. Duckett noted that England had been in a difficult position earlier in the innings but maintained their effort.

New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell said his side still held a first-innings lead despite the late collapse. Duckett also mentioned a dropped catch on eight that he viewed as overdue luck after an earlier run-out decision went against him.