Ben Stokes issues an official statement on Ben Duckett’s drunken video as ECB disciplinary action looms

England’s troubled 2025-26 Ashes tour of Australia was rocked by off-field controversy, with a viral video showing batsman Ben Duckett reportedly drinking heavily during the team’s break in Noosa. As the ECB launched a formal investigation, England captain Ben Stokes has come forward to defend his player and shield the side from mounting criticism.

With the 2025-26 Ashes series already slipped out of their control, England have come under fresh pressure after reports claimed some players drank heavily during a short break in Noosa. The timing couldn’t be worse, with the Boxing Day Test just around the corner.

Ben Stokes breaks the silence in Ben Duckett’s drunken video

Notably, Australia have already retained the Ashes urn by winning the first three Tests against England, and now the touring side will focus on salvaging pride in the remainder of the two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney from December 26 and January 4 respectively.

Also read: Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell face ECB backlash over viral ‘Drunk’ video

Ahead of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, which starts on December 26, England captain Ben Stokes has addressed the drama and stands firmly behind his players. Rather than get caught up in the noise, Stokes decided to protect the team and keep their minds together during a very tough phase of the Australia tour.

Ben Stokes said at the pre-match press conference, as quoted by India Today: “How I deal with this moment is the most important thing for me… The well-being of everyone in there and probably certain individuals is the most important thing for me at the moment as England captain. I know how these kinds of things can affect people, and my role as England captain is to protect my players as much as possible.”

Will Ben Stokes go against the ECB for his players?

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said it will investigate the matter, while insisting the players did nothing wrong during the break, but Stokes has made it clear that the players’ welfare comes first.

The captain further noted, “Taking care of my players is one of the most important things I have to take out of this because we have to go out and win two cricket matches. Here and now my most important job is to make sure they know they have my support so that I can put them in the best possible state to perform for this country.”

Also read: Jofra Archer ruled out of Ashes 2025-2026; England playing XI for Boxing Day Test announced

The drama further escalated after several former Australian players criticized the England team for their irresponsible behavior during such a tough tour, especially when they lost the matches. An unverified video on social media even claimed that England players, especially Ben Duckett, were heavily intoxicated during their four-day break in Noosa.

Ben Stokes admits there will inevitably be heavy criticism of the Ashes tour

Well, the English struggle in Australia makes the situation even more difficult. They have not won a Test Down Under since 2011. They have now lost 16 of their last 18 matches in Australia. With two Tests remaining, England are now fighting to avoid a clean sweep.

Stokes accepted that heavy criticism is inevitable as he pointed out that being 3-0 down and already losing the series means every action and commentary will come under the microscope. He concluded by saying: “When you’re three nil down and have lost the series, everything you say and do is scrutinized. You don’t really have a leg to stand on.”