MELBOURNE, Australia — England’s men’s cricket managing director Rob Key has announced a formal investigation into the team’s drinking patterns during the Ashes tour following concerning social media footage that surfaced this week. The inquiry comes amid England’s disappointing performance, having lost the first three Tests against Australia, resulting in Australia retaining the Ashes in just 11 days of play.
The controversy centers around the team’s scheduled break at the Noosa beach resort on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast between the second and third Tests. While the break was intended as a planned relaxation period during the lengthy tour, videos circulating on social platform X (formerly Twitter) appear to show concerning behavior from players.
One particularly troubling video depicts opening batsman Ben Duckett in a seemingly disoriented state, unable to recall directions to his hotel when questioned by a woman. Another clip shows squad member Jacob Bethell, who hasn’t participated in the Test series, dancing in a local club.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has acknowledged the circulating content, stating they will refrain from further commentary until completing a factual assessment of the situation.
Duckett’s on-field performance has notably declined throughout the series, with his highest score reaching just 29 runs across six innings—a significant drop from his usual form that previously yielded six Test centuries. His third Test performance proved particularly disappointing, being bowled by Nathan Lyon after showing brief promise and lasting just two deliveries in the second innings.
Key, who did not accompany the team to Noosa, expressed that while he initially had no concerns about the break, excessive drinking would warrant serious attention. ‘If evidence emerges that our players consumed alcohol excessively, we will certainly examine those circumstances,’ Key stated from Melbourne, where the fourth Test begins Friday. ‘Heavy drinking has no place in professional cricket at any stage.’
The managing director noted that preliminary reports suggest players behaved appropriately, enjoying meals with moderate alcohol consumption and avoiding late-night outings. However, he emphasized that any behavior exceeding these parameters would be treated as a serious matter.
This incident follows previous alcohol-related concerns during England’s New Zealand tour preceding the Ashes, where limited-overs captain Harry Brook and Bethell were spotted socializing before a one-day international. Key addressed that situation through informal warnings rather than formal disciplinary action, describing it as ‘a necessary wake-up call’ for professional standards.
Key concluded that while players may responsibly enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, any consumption beyond that level would be considered unacceptable for international athletes representing their country.