Jacob Duffy Reflects on Cricket Journey and IPL Opportunity
Duffy's Cricket Journey and Recent Achievements
Mount Maunganui [New Zealand], December 22: New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy expressed his enjoyment of cricket, emphasizing a relaxed approach to his career despite the pressures of injuries and heavy workloads within the team. He feels honored by captain Tom Latham's confidence in him to continue bowling, as reported by a sports media outlet.
In the recent third Test match against the West Indies, Duffy took nine wickets, contributing significantly to New Zealand's impressive 323-run victory.
Throughout the three-match Test series, Duffy claimed a remarkable 23 wickets at an average of 15.43, setting a new record for the most wickets taken by a New Zealand player in a single home series, surpassing the previous record held by Trent Boult. This achievement also brought his career total to 81 wickets, breaking Richard Hadlee's record for the most wickets by a New Zealand cricketer in a calendar year.
"I'm just enjoying my career; I don't tend to overthink things. It's been an incredible journey, albeit challenging with several bowlers facing injuries and the high demands of the game. However, the fact that Tommy [Tom Latham] keeps trusting me to bowl is something I consider a privilege. I aim to keep delivering my best," Duffy shared, as quoted by the sports media outlet.
Duffy's impressive performances have opened doors for him in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the recent IPL mini-auction, he was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 2 crore, likely to step in for the injured Josh Hazlewood.
Describing the IPL auction experience as both surprising and thrilling, Duffy expressed his eagerness to play in India in January and participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
"Seeing my name on that unique auction screen was quite an experience. It was unexpected but exciting. I’m looking forward to the series in India and the T20 World Cup ahead," he remarked.
Next year, India is set to tour New Zealand for two Tests and three ODIs. Duffy is anticipated to be a crucial player for New Zealand in their Test series against England and Australia as well. He highlighted the significance of the home series against India and expressed enthusiasm about the potential of playing in England and Australia, particularly in red-ball cricket.
"It's fantastic to have Test matches against India at home; that's a major series. I'm excited for the team, and having been on two-and-a-half tours to England without playing, the opportunity to compete there and in Australia would be monumental for my career, especially in Test cricket," Duffy added.