England cricket star calls fan a ‘p***k’ and appears to be drunk in video filmed during Ashes series
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.
The 31-year-old opening batsman, who has managed an average of only 16 runs this Ashes series, was captured on camera by supporters outside a shopping centre in the Queensland resort town last week.
When asked by fans whether he knew how to get home, Duckett replied: “No.”
One supporter taunted the player 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 then joked that the fan was a ‘p***k’ and said that nobody knows who he is, compared to himself.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is now investigating allegations of excessive drinking during the controversial four-night stay on the Queensland coast, which was intended to help players recharge during the series.
However, reports suggest some squad members treated the trip more as an opportunity to party than to rest and prepare.
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
|
X
The team was reportedly spotted drinking until 11pm at Rococo Bistro, a restaurant located approximately 25 minutes’ walk from where Duckett was later filmed appearing intoxicated.
Their break preceded England’s defeat in the third Test at Adelaide, which handed Australia an unassailable 3-0 series lead and ended any hopes of reclaiming the Ashes urn.
The squad’s Queensland getaway began inauspiciously when local radio presenters ambushed players while they were sunbathing on the beach.
Five things to know about the Ashes | PA
Vice-captain Harry Brook subsequently revealed that the team had avoided discussing cricket entirely during their time away, despite England chasing their first series victory in Australia since 2011.
Efforts by fitness staff and captain Ben Stokes to arrange early morning runs along the coastline were reportedly dismissed by players.
The Stokes-led squad had travelled to the popular tourist destination for four nights, ostensibly to refresh themselves ahead of the remaining matches, though the trip has since attracted significant criticism given England’s subsequent performance.
This is not the first time Duckett has faced disciplinary issues during an Australian tour.
In 2017, he was dropped from England’s development squad after pouring a drink over the head of former bowler Sir James Anderson.
England’s director of cricket Rob Key acknowledged that some alleged conduct during the Noosa trip had fallen short of acceptable standards.
Ben Duckett has struggled during the Ashes
|
PA
He told the BBC: “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.
