Ben Duckett's Viral Video Raises Questions About England's Conduct During Ashes 2025
Controversy Surrounds England's Ashes 2025 Break
England opener Ben Duckett has found himself at the center of controversy after a video surfaced online showing him inebriated during the team's mid-series break in Noosa, Queensland. This incident has sparked debate among fans and analysts regarding the team's behavior during their time off.
Following an eight-wicket loss to Australia in the Pink-Ball Test, the England squad, led by head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, took a six-day break in Noosa. The intention was to relax and recharge before the upcoming third Test at the Adelaide Oval.
However, after suffering an 82-run defeat in the Ashes series, reports indicated that players engaged in excessive drinking during their Noosa break. This prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to initiate an investigation into these claims, as confirmed by managing director Rob Key.
Key acknowledged the reports of excessive drinking as true and deemed such behavior unacceptable, stating that the board would thoroughly investigate the events that transpired during the break.
Duckett's Viral Video Intensifies Scrutiny
The Noosa trip has drawn significant attention, particularly due to Duckett's viral video, which has raised further concerns about the team's discipline and player conduct off the field. Duckett was part of the England squad that visited the upscale resort in Queensland.
In the viral footage, Duckett appeared visibly intoxicated and disoriented. The individual filming asked him about his way back to the hotel and even offered to arrange an Uber, joking that it would take him 'to the nets' while poking fun at England's poor performance in the Ashes.
Duckett responded with a crude remark, calling the person filming a 'p***k' as he struggled to navigate his way back to the team's accommodation during the night.
Don't know what happens to Ben Duckett in Australia. Generally, he is one of the nicest cricketers, but in Australia, he is completely opposite. During the 2017/18 Ashes, he poured a drink over James Anderson's head, and now this video. He has put his career at risk.
ECB Investigates Duckett's Conduct
The ECB is aware of the viral video and has confirmed that they are 'establishing the facts' by reviewing the footage and investigating whether any player conduct rules were violated during the Noosa break.
"We have high expectations for behavior, recognizing that players are often under intense scrutiny. We follow established processes when conduct falls below expectations and support players who need assistance," stated an ECB spokesperson.
"We will not comment further at this stage while we establish the facts," they added.
BREAKING: The ECB says they are 'establishing the facts' after a video appeared on social media featuring Ben Duckett apparently slurring his words.
Public Reaction to Duckett's Video
Duckett's video has not only gone viral but also ignited a wave of reactions online, with fans and cricket enthusiasts questioning the players' off-field behavior during crucial matches.
On social media, many criticized Duckett and the England team for their apparent lack of professionalism, especially given their 0-2 deficit in the Ashes series. Others argued that players' private moments should not be sensationalized.
Ben Duckett showing how much he cares about the Ashes. Elite sportsman midway through the Ashes, unable to speak because he’s that drunk. Drop him.
That Ben Duckett video just confirms to me this squad really doesn’t care. You’re elite sportsmen going out getting absolutely arseholed mid-series after shambolic performances.
As the Ashes series continues, Duckett's behavior has raised serious concerns about the team's culture, with the ECB facing pressure to ensure accountability and restore discipline ahead of future tours.
Duckett's Performance in the Ashes
In the ongoing Ashes series, Ben Duckett has struggled significantly, accumulating only 97 runs at an average of 16.16 across six innings in three matches.