England’s tricky Ashes 2025-26 tour in Australia has been rocked by off-field controversy, with a viral video purportedly showing batsman Ben Duckett drinking heavily during the team break in Noosa. As the ECB launches a formal investigation, England captain Ben Stokes has come forward to defend his player and save the team from the growing criticism.
With the Ashes 2025-26 series already out of their hands, England have come under fresh pressure after reports claimed some players drank heavily during a short break in Noosa. The timing couldn’t be worse, with the Boxing Day Test around the corner.
Ben Stokes breaks silence on Ben Duckett’s drunken video
Notably, Australia has already retained the Ashes urn by winning the first three Tests against England, and now the touring team will focus on saving glory in the remaining two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney from December 26 and January 4 respectively.
Also read: Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell face ECB criticism over viral ‘drunk’ video
Ahead of the fourth Ashes Test starting on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, England captain Ben Stokes has addressed the drama and stood firmly with his players. Instead of getting caught up in the noise, Stokes decided to protect the team and keep the spirits up during a very difficult period on the Australia tour.
“How I handle this moment is the most important thing for me… As England captain, the welfare of everyone there and maybe a few individuals is the most important thing for me. I know how things like this can affect people, and my role as England captain is to protect my players as much as possible,” Ben Stokes said in the pre-match press conference, as quoted by India Today.
Will Ben Stokes go against the ECB for his players?
Although the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said it will investigate the matter and ensure that the players have done nothing wrong over the break, Stokes has made it clear that the player’s well-being comes first.
The captain further added, “Taking care of my players is one of the main things that I need to get out of this because we have to go out there and win two matches of cricket. Right now, here, my main job is to make sure that they know that they have my support so that I can put them in the best possible position to perform for this country.”
Also read: Jofra Archer out of Ashes 2025-26; England’s playing eleven announced for Boxing Day Test
The drama escalated when several former Australian players criticized the English team for irresponsible behavior on such a difficult tour, especially when they were losing matches. In fact, an unverified video on social media claimed that English players, especially Ben Duckett, were heavily intoxicated during their four-day break in Noosa.
Ben Stokes accepts inevitable heavy criticism on Ashes tour
Well, England’s struggles in Australia make the situation even more difficult. They have not won a single Test since 2011. They have now lost 16 of their last 18 matches in Australia. There are two Tests left and England are now struggling to avoid a clean sweep.
Stokes acknowledged that heavy criticism is inevitable, as he pointed out that being 3-0 down and already losing the series means every action and comment comes under the microscope. He concluded by saying, “When you’re down three-nil and lose the series, everything you say and do is scrutinized. You really don’t have a leg to stand on.”
