The England team, captained by Ben Stokes, has come under scrutiny following reports of excessive drinking during the break in the Ashes 2025-26 series against Australia. The England and Wales Cricket Board has launched an investigation into the team’s behavior during their four-day stay in Noosa between the second and third Tests.
Following their heavy defeat in the second Test at the Gabba, the England team traveled to the Queensland resort town of Noosa for a four-night break in the middle of the series. England head coach Brendon McCullum had said that the break would help the players to refresh mentally and physically before the third Test.
However, the trip was criticized by Australian commentators, and concerns subsequently emerged over reports of excessive drinking. England returned from the break to play the Adelaide Test but lost again, handing Australia the Ashes in just 11 days’ play.
Not something I would expect to see – England boss Rob Key
Rob Key said the ECB will review reports of excessive drinking by England players during the mid-series break. Key, who did not travel to Noosa with the team, said heavy drinking is unacceptable for an international team.
“If there are things where people are saying that our players went out and drank too much, we’ll definitely look into that,” Key said.
He said, “For an international cricket team to drink excessively is not something I would expect to see at any level, and it would be a mistake to ignore what happened there. But from what I’ve heard so far, their behavior was very good.”
If there was a Noosa trip I wouldn’t have any problem with it… – Rob’s
Rob Key said he had no problem with the Noosa visit. He revealed that he has heard that players keep things low-key, sharing food and occasionally drinking late into the night. However, Key said it would be a serious concern if it went beyond limits.
Key continued, “I’ve read what’s been written over the last few days, and if it gets to where they’re drinking a lot and it’s a stag do, those types of things, it’s completely unacceptable. I’m not a drinker. I think the culture of drinking doesn’t help anybody in any way.”
“I don’t mind a Noosa trip if it’s going away and throwing away your phone, putting down the equipment, going to the beach… All I’ve heard so far is that they sat down, had lunch, had dinner, didn’t go out until late, had the odd drink. I don’t mind that. If it goes further than that, as far as I’m concerned, that’s an issue… There’s a lot of people out there who might disagree with it, but that’s what we know.” Will put it.”
Don’t pay attention to players drinking a glass of wine – Rob Key
Key revealed that the England team management had spoken to the players about off-field behavior even before the start of the Ashes. Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook were unofficially cautioned after being seen drinking in a bar on the eve of an ODI in New Zealand.
Key said the episode served as a warning rather than a disciplinary issue. The former cricketer said he has no problem with players having drinks with dinner, but anything beyond that is unnecessary.
Key said, “I don’t mind players having a glass of wine during dinner. I think anything more than that is really ridiculous.” “No formal action was taken… I didn’t feel like it was worthy of formal warnings, but it was probably worthy of informal warnings.”
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