I enjoy the One-Day format because I feel it is a nice mix of T20 and Test cricket: Will Jacks Premium

Jack's remarkable journey from IPL debut to Test debut under Brendon McCullum's coaching, and his admiration for Kohli and Pietersen.

One of the stories of the last IPL was Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s comeback from the dead. After winning just one of their first eight games, the RCB men won six on the trot to qualify for the playoffs. Will Jacks, who made his IPL debut during the season, played his part: his stunning 41-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad was a masterclass of T20 batting.

Jacks’ Test debut against Pakistan in late 2022 was just as stunning: he was told he was in the team just two minutes before the toss at Rawalpindi. He took six wickets with his off-spin — his maiden five-for in First Class cricket — and helped England score a remarkable victory on a flat pitch. The all-rounder spoke to The Hindu over the phone from Manchester during England’s ongoing white-ball series against Australia. Excerpts:

How do you view this series against England’s arch rival Australia?

I am excited as I really enjoy playing ODI cricket. I have had a small taste of it for England. I am enjoying the format because I feel it is a nice mix of T20 and Test. You have got enough time to give yourself a proper chance but you can still have the attacking instincts.

How important do you think such a bilateral series is, despite criticism from certain quarters of it being meaningless?

I think any time you play for your country, it is an important series. And England against Australia is the oldest rivalry. It has been around for 150 years. As a player, it’s my first time. I only played against Australia one game in the World Cup. So it is huge. It is for every single player who is playing in it. Every time you put on that shirt, it is really important.

Brendon McCullum is taking over as England’s white-ball coach.