Duckett shows his intent by starting season with a century against students

The 20-year-old produced a fine statement of intent after recent question marks over his fitness levels by hitting 15 fours and a six on his way to an unbeaten 101.

Having missed out on the club’s pre-season tour of Barbados having not reached the standards set for him, he showed he was in the mood to prove himself at Feeners.

Duckett came to the crease with the score on 144-5 and then shared a stand of 124 with Rob Newton who himself compiled a solid innings before falling six short of his hundred.

He was then joined by David Willey for another partnership of 58 and was kept company by Steven Crook until he reached three figures.

When he made it to the milestone, skipper Alex Wakely declared the innings on 357-7.

In the reply, Northamptonshire made just a single breakthrough as Crook trapped Jamie Abbott leg before with the final ball of the day.

The students closed on 56-1.