Melbourne, 27 December (H.S.): England opener Ben Duckett achieved a significant milestone on Saturday by completing 3,000 runs in Test cricket during the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Boxing Day. The 31-year-old left-handed batsman reached the mark while chasing a modest target of 175 runs, scoring a brisk 34 off 26 balls—his first score beyond 30 in the series—with four boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 130.77.
In 42 Tests and 78 innings so far, Duckett has amassed 3,005 runs at an average of 40.06 and a strike rate of 86.44, including six centuries and 16 half-centuries, with a best score of 182. However, his form in this Ashes series has been underwhelming, managing just 133 runs in eight innings across four Tests at an average of 16.62, with 34 as his highest.
Off the field, Duckett faced scrutiny as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) investigates a video allegedly showing him struggling to return to his hotel in an inebriated state during a team break in Noosa following England's heavy defeat in the second Test in Brisbane.
England won the toss and elected to bowl first on a lively pitch. Josh Tongue claimed a historic 5/45—the first five-wicket haul by an England bowler on Boxing Day at the MCG—bowling Australia out for 152 in 45.2 overs.
Michael Neser top-scored with 35 off 49 balls (seven fours), while Usman Khawaja made 29 off 52; a half-century stand between Neser and Cameron Green (17) ended via a run-out, triggering a collapse.
In reply, England's first innings folded for 110 in 29.5 overs, with Harry Brook (41 off 34) and Gus Atkinson (28 off 35) providing resistance. Neser (4/45) and Scott Boland (3/30) exploited the conditions and England's aggressive 'Bazball' approach, leaving the visitors 42 runs behind.
Australia stumbled again in their second innings, all out for 132 in 34.3 overs, led by Travis Head's 46 off 67 balls and Steve Smith's unbeaten 24 off 39; Brydon Carse (4/34) and captain Ben Stokes (3/24) starred with the ball.
Setting England a target of 175, Australia suffered a 4-wicket defeat as the visitors chased it down losing 6 wickets—their first win in Australia in 15 years and 18 Tests. The victory highlighted Duckett's resilience amid personal and team challenges.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
