Melbourne: England captain Ben Stokes has given his ‘full support’ to opener Ben Duckett, confirming Duckett will keep his place in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, despite low scores and an ongoing ECB investigation into his conduct.
Duckett had yet to reach 30 in six innings during the Ashes series, and a video circulating on social media showed him intoxicated, disorientated on his way back to his hotel and using offensive language at a fan.
The footage emerged hours after England managing director Rob Key pledged to investigate allegations of heavy drinking by players during the team’s trip to Noosa following the second Test.
The ECB said on Monday night that it was “aware” of the video and would “establish the facts”.
In the fourth Test, England made two changes: Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson in place of Ollie Pope and the injured Jofra Archer.
Despite Duckett’s struggles—he averages 16.16 in Australia and hasn’t scored a half-century in his last 12 international innings.
Key described heavy drinking on international tours as ‘absolutely unacceptable’ before the video emerged.
However, Stokes emphasized Duckett’s value to the team, calling him an “important player” and “incredibly influential” in the England dressing room.
“It’s very new and very new,” Stokes said. “I have spoken to him and given him my full support. He is a very important player for this team and has two more cricket matches to play. It is very, very important to support him and let him know that he is supported.”
Stokes, who faced intense media scrutiny during the 2017-18 Ashes tour, including a suspension following his involvement in a street brawl, acknowledged the pressures players face.
“I have first-hand experience of how it affects people. My job as England captain is not just to get results but to get the players in the right frame of mind.”
When pressed on whether Duckett had done anything wrong, Stokes declined to comment directly. “I am here to support him. I will always support my players and I have made that clear.”
With England trailing 3-0 in the five-match Ashes series, England’s tour of Australia has been tough. Stokes described the current period as the most challenging period in his captaincy.
“This is, of course, the toughest time I’ve had as England captain. Players deserve sympathy when touring overseas for a long time. It’s tough and the scrutiny is intense, especially when results don’t go our way.”