England captain Ben Stokes has urged the public to show understanding towards opening batsman Ben Duckett, who will retain his place in the side for the fourth Ashes Test at Melbourne despite a video surfacing that showed him appearing intoxicated during the squad’s controversial break in Noosa.
Speaking at his Christmas Eve press conference, Stokes appeared visibly moved as he defended his teammate.
“In this moment right now, a little bit of empathy from everyone would be not too hard to think about,” the skipper said.
Stokes described Duckett as “such an important player for this team” and confirmed he had personally contacted the opener following the footage’s circulation online, pledging his full backing throughout the ordeal.
The footage emerged on social media showing a member of the public jokingly offering Duckett a late-night “Uber to the nets” while the batsman appeared to slur his words during the team’s four-day stay in the Queensland resort town.
Its release came just hours after ECB managing director Rob Key confirmed the governing body was looking into reports that the Noosa excursion had taken on the character of a “stag-do”.
The timing of the video’s appearance has intensified scrutiny over alcohol consumption within the England camp, raising fresh concerns about the team’s off-field conduct during what has become a disastrous tour.
England captain Ben Stokes has urged the public to show understanding towards opening batsman Ben Duckett, who will retain his place in the side for the fourth Ashes Test at Melbourne despite a video surfacing that showed him appearing intoxicated during the squad’s controversial break in Noosa
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Stokes declined to address questions directly about whether the Noosa trip had been a wise decision.
Despite his struggles with the bat, averaging just 16 across the defeats in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, Duckett has avoided the axe on cricketing grounds.
The same cannot be said for Ollie Pope, who has been dropped following an average of 20 through the opening three matches. Jacob Bethell will take his place at number three for the Boxing Day Test.
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England have also lost one of their standout performers from an otherwise disappointing campaign, with Jofra Archer ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a left side strain.
Gus Atkinson has been recalled to fill the void in the bowling attack at the MCG.
Australia currently lead the series 3-0 and are pursuing a whitewash victory.
Stokes has personal insight into the damaging effects of publicly leaked footage.
His own late-night altercation on the streets of Bristol in 2017 was captured and spread widely, ultimately resulting in a court case where he was acquitted of affray.
Two years ago, he stepped away from the sport entirely to focus on his mental wellbeing.
Ben Duckett was caught on camera slurring his words during the Ashes series
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“I know how it can affect people,” he said.
“It’s never a nice place to be in when not only the media world but also the social media world is just piling on top of you.”
The captain acknowledged that criticism of his squad was warranted given their position, trailing 3-0 in the series.
“You don’t really have a leg to stand on when you have lost three games in a huge series like this,” he admitted.
