England cricket captain Ben Stokes has thrown his full support behind opening batsman Ben Duckett, after unverified footage emerged on social media appearing to show the player in a tense exchange while inebriated. The incident has intensified scrutiny on the team's conduct during their Ashes tour of Australia.
Stokes Steps Up as Leader Amid Controversy
The video, which circulated online, reportedly shows Duckett in a heated discussion with members of the public. It comes during a controversial break the England squad took in Noosa, situated between the second and third Ashes Test matches. In response, managing director Rob Key confirmed an official investigation is now underway looking into the squad's alcohol consumption throughout the series.
Key underlined that behaviour resembling a "stag-do" would be deemed completely "unacceptable." Despite the external pressure, Stokes has positioned himself as a protective figure for his team. He emphasised his duty to shield his players, while also acknowledging the England and Wales Cricket Board's "high expectations of behaviour."
"I am obviously aware of the reports and everything circulating around. My main concern right now is my players and how I handle this moment is the most important thing to me," Stokes stated. Drawing from his own well-documented past struggles, including a mental health break in 2021, the captain stressed the importance of support.
Pressure Mounts On and Off the Field in Melbourne
The spotlight now moves to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where a festive crowd of around 90,000 is expected for the next Test. Duckett's position is particularly precarious, compounded by a disappointing series batting average of just 16. With no reserve openers on tour, he is likely to retain his place, but the atmosphere promises to be fiercely partisan.
Stokes detailed his private conversation with Duckett, aiming to provide genuine reassurance. "You know when you go up to someone and say, 'I'm always here for you if you need five minutes'. I just reassured him that I'm not saying that for the sake of it," he explained. "Just please come to me because I know what it's like. It's not a nice place to be."
Team Changes and Injury Blow for Crucial Test
While Duckett survives, the England selectors have finally made a change to the struggling top order. Ollie Pope has been dropped from the number three position after a prolonged run of poor form. Pope, who also lost the vice-captaincy before the tour, averages a meagre 17 across 16 Ashes innings. He will be replaced by Jacob Bethell, who faces the biggest challenge of his career.
In a further significant blow to England's bowling attack, Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the remainder of the tour with a worrying left side strain. His place in the XI for the Melbourne Test will be taken by Gus Atkinson. These changes come at a critical juncture in the Ashes series, with the team under immense pressure both for results and conduct.
