England cricket authorities have launched a fact-finding mission after alarming footage of batsman Ben Duckett seemingly drunk and slurring his words in a Queensland beachside town spread rapidly across social media.
Viral Clip Prompts Swift Response
The incident unfolded just hours after team managing director Rob Key publicly promised to scrutinise the squad's conduct regarding alcohol. A short video clip, which circulated widely on platform X, shows Duckett in an exchange with fans in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.
In the footage, a concerned supporter appears to offer assistance to the lone cricketer, asking if he needs an Uber home. When questioned if he knows where he is staying, Duckett slurs a reply of "No." Another fan then mockingly suggests, "Do you want me to get you an Uber to the nets, bro. Probably for the best."
Duckett responds by calling the individual a "pr**k" before a confused exchange about identities. Throughout the interaction, the England player's speech is noticeably slurred. While the exact timing is unclear, a fan mentions England were trailing 2-0 in the Ashes series at the time.
ECB Statement and Growing Scrutiny
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was quick to acknowledge the situation. "We are aware of content circulating on social media," a spokesperson stated. "We have high expectations for behaviour... with established processes that we follow when conduct falls below expectations. We will not comment further at this stage while we establish the facts."
This controversy casts a shadow over a pre-planned break for the touring side, who opted for time off on the Sunshine Coast after defeats in Perth and Brisbane, rather than an immediate return to intensive training. However, following another loss in Adelaide, reports surfaced suggesting the trip to Noosa resembled a "stag do" more than a mental reset.
Key's Prior Warning and Team Culture
Managing director Rob Key had addressed concerns directly on Tuesday, before the Duckett video emerged. "If there's things where people are saying that our players went out and drank excessively, then of course we'll be looking into that," Key said. He emphasised that "drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for an international cricket team is not something that I'd expect to see at any stage."
Key, who describes himself as a non-drinker, was firm on his stance: "I think a drinking culture doesn't help anyone in any stretch whatsoever." He added that while he had no issue with players relaxing, if the trip "goes into where they're drinking lots and it's a stag do, all of that type of stuff, that's completely unacceptable."
British newspaper The Telegraph reported that after the Brisbane Test, some players drank for five or six days in Noosa, though it noted they "did nothing outrageous." The video of Duckett, who has averaged only 16 runs at the top of the order this series, now presents the ECB with a tangible incident to investigate amidst these broader concerns about discipline and focus.
