The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reviewing a social media video that appears to show England opener Ben Duckett slurring his words, potentially under the influence of alcohol. The footage, posted on X, shows Duckett in conversation with a group asking if he knows how to get home, though the timing and source of the video remain unclear.
An ECB spokesperson told Sky Sports News, “We are aware of content circulating on social media. We have high expectations for behaviour… and established processes that we follow when conduct falls below expectations. We will not comment further at this stage while we establish the facts.”
The development follows England managing director Rob Key’s pledge to examine the team’s drinking habits during their mid-Ashes break in Noosa, Queensland. The trip, intended as a restorative pause between the second and third Tests, has come under scrutiny after reports suggested it resembled a “stag do,” with media coverage noting players spending extended time in bars.
Key, who did not accompany the squad to Noosa, defended the break as a legitimate chance for players to unwind during a long, high-pressure tour, but emphasized he would not tolerate excessive drinking. “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,” he said.
He added, “From everything that I’ve heard so far, they actually were pretty well behaved… they sat down, had lunch, had dinner, didn’t go out late, had the odd drink. I don’t mind that. If it goes past that, then that’s an issue as far as I’m concerned.”
Key reiterated his stance on team culture, saying, “I have no issue with the Noosa trip if it was to get away, throw your phone away, down tools, go on the beach. If it goes into where they’re drinking lots and it’s a stag do, all of that type of stuff, that’s completely unacceptable. I’m not a drinker, and I think a drinking culture doesn’t help anyone in any stretch whatsoever.”
The ECB’s investigation into the video and overall conduct on the Noosa trip is ongoing, with the board carefully reviewing facts before making any further statements.
