The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an investigation into a video circulating on social media that appears to show batsman Ben Duckett in a drunken state during the ongoing Ashes tour of Australia.
Video Details and Team Context
The footage, widely shared on platform X, shows the 31-year-old England player slurring his words. In the clip, he is asked by a group if he knows how to get home, to which he replies "No." While the exact time and location are unconfirmed, a reference in the video to "we're losing two-nil" strongly suggests it was filmed between England's heavy defeats in the second and third Tests.
This incident comes amid severe criticism of England's preparation and performance, having lost the series in just 11 days following three consecutive defeats. The team had been on a pre-arranged break in the Queensland town of Noosa ahead of the third Test, where reports emerged of squad members participating in prolonged drinking sessions.
Official ECB Response and Leadership Stance
In a statement to Sky Sports News, an ECB spokesperson confirmed they were "establishing the facts" regarding the circulating content. The board emphasised its high behavioural expectations, acknowledging players are often under intense scrutiny.
"We have established processes that we follow when conduct falls below expectations. We also support players that need assistance," the spokesperson added, stating they would not comment further during the initial fact-finding stage.
Earlier, England managing director Rob Key had addressed concerns about the squad's conduct in Noosa. While supportive of a break to unwind, he was unequivocal about excessive drinking. "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," Key stated. "I'm not a drinker, I think a drinking culture doesn't help anyone in any stretch whatsoever."
Looking Ahead to Melbourne
The controversy casts a further shadow over an already disastrous tour for the England cricket team. Attention now turns to the fourth Test, which begins on Christmas Day in Melbourne. Fans will be desperate for a much-improved performance from the side to avoid the looming prospect of a 5-0 series whitewash.
The ECB's investigation into Ben Duckett's conduct is now a formal subplot to the on-field action, as the board seeks to uphold its standards amid a challenging tour.
