England’s Ben Duckett faces scrutiny after night out in Australia
Video footage has emerged showing England cricketer Ben Duckett apparently struggling to locate his hotel following a night of heavy drinking during the team’s mid-series break in Noosa, Australia, reports BritPanorama.
The 31-year-old opening batsman, whose performance in the Ashes series has been underwhelming with an average of only 16 runs, was filmed outside a shopping centre by fans last week. When asked if he knew how to get home, Duckett replied, “No.”
A supporter even taunted him about his batting struggles, suggesting, “Do you want me to get you an Uber to the nets, bro? Probably for the best we’re losing 2-0.”
Duckett responded in jest, calling the fan a “p***k” and implying that the fan was less well-known than himself. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is investigating claims of excessive drinking during what was intended to be a restorative four-night stay on the Queensland coast. Reports indicate that some players may have used the trip as an opportunity to party rather than prepare for the series.
The squad was reportedly seen drinking until 11pm at Rococo Bistro, approximately a 25-minute walk from where Duckett was later filmed appearing intoxicated. This break came before England’s defeat in the third Test at Adelaide, which handed Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
Despite England needing to recover from their performance, vice-captain Harry Brook revealed that the team avoided discussing cricket during their time away. Attempts by fitness staff and captain Ben Stokes to organise early morning runs were disregarded by players. The trip, ostensibly focused on rejuvenation, has faced significant criticism in light of England’s recent results.
This incident is not Duckett’s first brush with disciplinary issues during an Australian tour; in 2017, he was dropped after pouring a drink over the head of former bowler Sir James Anderson. Following the recent events, England’s director of cricket Rob Key acknowledged that some conduct during the Noosa trip fell short of acceptable standards.
Key commented, “Headlines can be misleading at times, saying it’s a stag do and stuff like that. Stories of players drinking six days solid—that’s unacceptable. We’ll be looking into seeing what the facts are as opposed to the things that have been embellished or elaborated on.”
An ECB spokesman stated, “We are aware of content circulating on social media. We have high expectations for behaviour, accepting that players are often under intense levels of scrutiny, with established processes that we follow when conduct falls below expectations.” The fourth Test begins in Melbourne on Boxing Day.
As the scrutiny intensifies, it’s clear that this chapter in England’s Ashes campaign raises questions not just about results on the field, but how off-field conduct can impact team dynamics and focus. An undercurrent of responsibility looms large over the squad as they look to regroup amidst growing concerns.
