England cricket captain Ben Stokes has made an impassioned plea for understanding and support for opening batsman Ben Duckett, who has been named in the team for the crucial fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne despite a damaging video emerging online.
Video Scandal and Team Selection Fallout
The controversy erupted after a video circulated on social media showing Duckett in a late-night incident during the team's four-day trip to Noosa. In the clip, a man jokingly offers the player an 'Uber to the nets', while Duckett appears to slur his words. The footage surfaced just hours after managing director Rob Key confirmed the ECB was investigating reports that the squad's break resembled a 'stag-do', raising fresh concerns about a drinking culture within the England camp.
Despite the furore, and Duckett's modest batting average of just 16 across the first three heavy defeats in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, he retains his place. The axe has instead fallen on Ollie Pope, who averaged 20, with Jacob Bethell promoted to bat at number three. In further significant team news, the injured Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the remainder of the series with a left side strain, while Gus Atkinson returns to the side for the MCG Test.
Stokes's Emotional Defence and Personal Connection
Speaking at a Christmas Eve press conference, Stokes cut an emotional figure as he defended his player and called for compassion. "In this moment right now, a little bit of empathy from everyone would be not too hard to think about," the captain stated. He revealed he had personally 'reached out' to Duckett after the video went viral to offer his 'complete support'.
Stokes's defence carried a deeply personal weight. He is acutely aware of the impact of public scrutiny after his own late-night altercation in Bristol in 2017 led to a viral video, a court case, and his eventual acquittal on an affray charge. He also took a break from cricket in 2021 to prioritise his mental health.
"I know how it can affect people," Stokes said. "It’s never a nice place to be in when not only the media world but also the social media world is just piling on top of you. I’m the captain of the side and I’m very determined to go out and win the remaining two games, but I will always try my best to look after every single person in this group."
Focus on Cricket Amid Pursuit of Pride
With the Ashes already lost after three comprehensive defeats, Stokes acknowledged that criticism was inevitable but urged a focus on the final two Tests. "When you are 3–0 down and you’ve lost the series, everything you say, everything you do, gets scrutinised, and rightly so," he conceded.
However, he emphasised the remaining goal: "We haven’t won a game in Australia for a long, long time, so there’s lots to play for." His call for empathy provided a rare moment of introspection amidst Australia's national euphoria and the widespread mockery of England's disastrous tour, highlighting the intense pressures faced by players when a high-profile campaign spirals out of control.
Stokes concluded by reinforcing his role as a protector, stating his duty was to stand by his players while the cricketing world 'piled in'. His leadership now faces the dual challenge of managing off-field turmoil while attempting to salvage pride on the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
