Cricket Feb 05, 2026

Ben Duckett: ECB 'establishing facts' after social media video appears to show England opener drunk

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Ben Duckett: ECB 'establishing facts' after social media video appears to show England opener drunk

The England and Wales Cricket Board says they are "establishing the facts" after a video posted on social media appeared to show a drunken Ben Duckett slurring his words.

The video, posted on X, shows Duckett having a conversation with a group of people who ask if he knows how to get home. It is not clear at this stage when the footage was filmed or by whom.

In response, an ECB spokesperson told Your Site News: "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. We also support players that need assistance.

"We will not comment further at this stage while we establish the facts."

The development comes after England managing director Rob Key promised to investigate the drinking habits of the team, following reports their mid-Ashes beach break resembled a "stag do".

England's disappointing showing in Australia, where they have lost each of the first three Tests to surrender the urn in just 11 days of on-field action, has left the ECB's managing director of men's cricket with plenty of tough questions to answer.

And one of the most pressing involves the issue of alcohol consumption.

The squad visited the idyllic resort of Noosa between the second and third Tests, a long-planned part of the itinerary designed to help players relax and unwind on a long, intense trip.

A host of TV crews, photographers and reporters followed them to the coast and some of the coverage has focused on the amount of time some individuals spent in bars.

England's managing director Key, who did not join the group in Noosa, insisted he had no problem with the break, but would not be happy if he found evidence of over-indulging.

"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.

"Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for an international cricket team is not something that I'd expect to see at any stage and it would be a fault not to look into what happened there. From everything that I've heard so far, they actually were pretty well behaved. Very well behaved."

He continued: "We've got enough ways of finding out exactly what happened and everything that I've heard so far that they sat down, had lunch, had dinner, didn't go out late, all of that, 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.

"I have no issue with the Noosa trip if it was to get away and just throw your phone away, down tools, go on the beach, all of that stuff. 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, I think a drinking culture doesn't help anyone in any stretch whatsoever."

Australia lead five-match series 3-0

Tags:

cricket news

Share this article

Related Posts

The Ashes: Jacob Bethell hailed as 'future of England cricket' after delivering on supreme talent with first Test century

The Ashes: Jacob Bethell hailed as 'future of England cricket' after delivering on supreme talent with first Test century

Jacob Bethell evoked memories of David Gower with his stylish, yet composed, maiden Test century at No 3 for England in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney...

Sam Curran eyeing key role for England at T20 World Cup after player-of-the-tournament display during 2022 win

Sam Curran eyeing key role for England at T20 World Cup after player-of-the-tournament display during 2022 win

Sam Curran is dreaming of a 2022 repeat as England look to win a second T20 World Cup in three events.Curran was player of the tournament when England...

Usman Khawaja hits out at 'racial stereotypes' after retirement announcement - 'Australian cricket still very white'

Usman Khawaja hits out at 'racial stereotypes' after retirement announcement - 'Australian cricket still very white'

Usman Khawaja has hit out against a culture of "racial stereotypes" in coverage of Australian cricket, declaring the sport is "still very white" as he...

The Ashes: Steve Smith hurts England with a 13th Ashes hundred in Sydney to add further to his legend

The Ashes: Steve Smith hurts England with a 13th Ashes hundred in Sydney to add further to his legend

"He has hurt England so often," Your Site' Michael Atherton said after Steve Smith's latest Ashes century, his 13th.And England fans may have to steel...

England cricket: Adil Rashid backs Shoaib Bashir to bounce back after not being picked for any Ashes Tests this winter

England cricket: Adil Rashid backs Shoaib Bashir to bounce back after not being picked for any Ashes Tests this winter

Adil Rashid has backed fellow England spin bowler Shoaib Bashir to bounce back from his Ashes disappointment as he embarks on a new stage of his caree...

Harry Brook slams 'worst pitch I have ever played on' after England's win over Sri Lanka in second ODI at Colombo

Harry Brook slams 'worst pitch I have ever played on' after England's win over Sri Lanka in second ODI at Colombo

Ronaldo returns to Al Nassr training as Saudi officials expect him to end strikeSlot: We have needed Jones in our midfieldLiverpool boss Arne Slot is...