The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an investigation following the emergence of a viral social media video featuring batsman Ben Duckett and reports of excessive drinking during the team's trip to Noosa.
Video and 'Stag Do' Allegations Prompt Scrutiny
An apparent video showing opener Ben Duckett in conversation has spread rapidly online. The footage, of unclear origin, allegedly shows Duckett being asked by a group if he knows how to get home. This comes amid reports that the England squad's four-day break in Noosa, Queensland, between the second and third Ashes Tests, resembled a "stag do" due to heavy drinking sessions.
Rob Key, the managing director of England men's cricket, confirmed the investigation would proceed. He defended the principle of the trip, which followed the team's surrender of the Ashes in just 11 days of play, giving Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead. Key stated the intent was to allow players to "get away and just throw your phone away, down tools, go on the beach."
ECB Statement and High Expectations
In an official statement, an ECB spokesperson said: "We are aware of content circulating on social media." The board emphasised its high expectations for player behaviour, acknowledging the intense scrutiny they face. "We have established processes that we follow when conduct falls below expectations," the statement continued, adding that support is available for players who need it. The ECB concluded it would not comment further while "establishing the facts" of the situation.
Key elaborated on his stance, drawing a clear line between acceptable relaxation and problematic conduct. "I have no issue with the Noosa trip if it was to get away... If it goes into where they're drinking lots and it's a stag do, all of that type of stuff, that's completely unacceptable," he told Sky Sports News. "I'm not a drinker, I think a drinking culture doesn't help anyone in any stretch whatsoever."
Contrasting Accounts and On-Field Context
Despite the allegations, Key offered a contrasting initial assessment based on his inquiries. "From everything that I've heard so far, they actually were pretty well behaved. Very well behaved," he said, suggesting the players "sat down, had lunch, had dinner, didn't go out late, all of that, had the odd drink." However, he firmly added: "If there's things where people are saying that our players went out and drank excessively, then of course we'll be looking into that."
The trip was closely monitored by media, with several TV crews and photographers present, limiting the squad's privacy. On the field, England showed slight improvement after the Noosa break in the third Test in Perth, delivering their best performance of a dismal series, yet still lost by 82 runs to fall 3-0 behind.
Attention now turns to the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, beginning on Boxing Day (Christmas Day in the UK), where Ben Stokes's side will aim to salvage pride before the series finale in Sydney on 3 January.
