Ben Duckett Silences Aussie Fan With Savage On-Field Reply at MCG

During Day 2 of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27, 2025, England opener Ben Duckett faced a classic piece of banter from an Australian fan in the stands. As Duckett patrolled the deep field, the spectator shouted, "Do you want a beer?"—a clear reference to a viral video from earlier in the tour that appeared to show the batsman struggling to navigate his way back to the team hotel after a night out in Noosa. The clip, which surfaced following England's third-Test defeat in Adelaide, had fueled widespread online mockery and questions about his preparation amid a tough series.

Duckett, however, handled the taunt with composure and delivered a sharp, witty comeback that quickly went viral on social media. While the exact words of his reply were not captured in detail, his quick-witted response drew laughter and applause from the crowd, turning the moment of heckling into one of mutual respect between player and fan. The exchange highlighted the enduring spirit of Ashes banter, where personal sledging often becomes part of the game's rich theater, especially on Australian soil, where home crowds are known for their vocal and creative provocations.

The incident came during a remarkable two-day Test match that saw England end an 18-match winless streak in Australia with a thrilling four-wicket chase of 175 runs in just 33 overs. Duckett himself contributed significantly with a gritty 34-run knock in the first innings, helping set the tone for England's aggressive "Bazball" approach that thrived in the chaotic, seamer-friendly conditions at the MCG. No batsman from either side reached fifty on the green pitch, yet England's fearless style suited the unusual circumstances perfectly, allowing them to secure victory on the second evening and prevent a 5-0 clean sweep.

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Australia, having already clinched the series with wins in the first three tests, now leads 3-1 heading into the final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4 to 8, 2026. The Melbourne result provided a much-needed morale boost for the touring England side and their thousands of traveling supporters, who finally had something to celebrate after a largely disappointing campaign. Duckett's on-field reply to the fan not only showcased his mental toughness but also underscored the player's ability to channel criticism into performance under pressure.

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