The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an official investigation into allegations of excessive drinking by its players during the mid-series break of the ongoing Ashes tour in Australia. The decision comes after videos circulating on social media raised serious questions about the team's off-field conduct.
Social Media Videos Spark Controversy
The controversy erupted following the squad's planned stay in Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, a break scheduled between the second and third Tests. One video, which surfaced on Tuesday, appeared to show England opener Ben Duckett in a disoriented state, struggling to recall the way back to his hotel while interacting with members of the public. In the clip, when asked if he knew how to get home, Duckett seemingly replied "No."
Another separate video featured young batter Jacob Bethell dancing in a nightclub. It is important to note that Bethell has not played any part in the Test series so far. The ECB acknowledged being aware of the online content but stated it would not comment further until establishing all facts.
Rob Key's Stern Warning on Player Conduct
Speaking in Melbourne ahead of the crucial fourth Test, England's managing director of men's cricket, Rob Key, made the board's stance unequivocally clear. He stated that the ECB would thoroughly look into any claims of players drinking excessively.
"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," Key asserted. He emphasized that drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is not acceptable for an international cricket team at any stage.
However, Key also provided initial feedback from the tour management, suggesting the players were largely responsible. "From everything that I've heard so far, they actually were pretty well behaved. Very well behaved. They sat down, had lunch, had dinner, didn't go out late… had the odd drink. I don't mind that. If it goes past that, then that's an issue," he clarified.
Past Incidents and Current Form Add to Scrutiny
Key revealed this was not the first time he had to address such concerns, having previously investigated reports of players drinking before a one-day international in New Zealand, an episode he termed a "wake-up call." He reiterated his personal policy: "I don't mind players having a glass of wine over dinner. Anything more than that, I think is ridiculous."
The incident casts a shadow on a tour where England have already surrendered the Ashes urn, losing the first three Tests and allowing Australia to retain the coveted prize in just 11 days of play. The scrutiny is particularly intense on Ben Duckett, whose batting form has plummeted during the series. After arriving in Australia with strong credentials, he has managed a top score of only 29 across six innings.
The ECB's investigation will now determine the exact nature of the events in Noosa and whether any disciplinary action is warranted against the players involved.
