Ben Duckett Joins Elite Club with 3,000 Test Runs for England
England opener marks career milestone during Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground
England, DEc 27 : England opener Ben Duckett achieved a significant career milestone on Saturday, completing 3,000 runs in Test cricket. The 31 year old left hander reached the mark during the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), contributing a quick 26-ball 34 with four boundaries and a six while chasing a modest target of 175 runs.
In his 42-Test career, Duckett has amassed 3,005 runs at an average of 40.06, including six centuries and 16 fifties, with a highest score of 182. Despite a strong overall record, Duckett has struggled in the current Ashes series, scoring just 133 runs across eight innings at an average of 16.62. Off field controversies have added pressure, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) investigating a video allegedly showing him intoxicated during the team’s break in Noosa.
During the match, England won the toss and chose to bowl first. Josh Tongue made history by claiming England’s first ever Boxing Day Test five-wicket haul at the MCG, dismissing Australia for 152 runs. Michael Neser top-scored with 35, while Usman Khawaja made 29. England’s first innings ended at 110, trailing by 42 runs, as Harry Brook (41) and Gus Atkinson (28) were the only notable contributors.
Australia faltered again in their second innings, scoring 132 runs, with Travis Head (46) and Steve Smith (24*) being the only significant scorers. England bowlers Brydon Carse (4/34) and skipper Ben Stokes (3/24) led the attack, setting up a manageable target of 175 runs. By the end of the second session, England were 77/2, needing 98 more runs to claim the Ashes Boxing Day Test.
