England, Dec 24 : The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has opened an investigation after a 78-second video surfaced online showing England opener Ben Duckett seemingly intoxicated and struggling to return to the team hotel in Noosa during the side’s mid-series break. The clip appeared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, following England’s defeat in the second Ashes Test at Brisbane.
The Noosa trip, scheduled between the second and third Tests, was organised in advance by head coach Brendon McCullum as a mental refresh for players rather than a holiday, ECB managing director Rob Key clarified. Some players were given downtime and did not train during the four day break.
Key confirmed the ECB would take appropriate action if necessary. “Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for an international cricket team is not something I would expect at any stage,” he said. Key dismissed reports of a “stag do” atmosphere, stating that everything he had heard suggested players behaved responsibly, enjoying meals and the beach with occasional drinks.
England captain Ben Stokes defended his squad amid the controversy, stressing the importance of player welfare. “My role as England captain is to protect my players as much as I possibly can,” Stokes said ahead of the Boxing Day Test. He added that despite struggles on tour, the team remains focused on achieving their goals.
The incident comes after England’s 82-run loss to Australia in Adelaide, extending their wait for an Ashes series win in Australia since 2010–11. While the controversy gains attention, the ECB is expected to conclude its inquiry into the Noosa trip in the coming days.