An emotional Ben Stokes has publicly defended the struggling England cricket team following the emergence of a controversial social media video reportedly featuring teammate Ben Duckett. The video adds to the mounting challenges England faces during their disappointing Ashes tour, as they now trail the series 3-0 against Australia. Compounding the team’s difficulties, fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the last two Tests due to a side strain.
In response to Archer’s injury, the England management has announced that Gus Atkinson will step in for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while Jacob Bethell will replace Ollie Pope, who has struggled with his performance at No.3. Despite the turmoil, Duckett has retained his spot in the squad.
Stokes, serving as captain, emphasized the well-being of his players as his utmost priority. Reflecting on his own experiences with media scrutiny, including a past incident in 2017 that resulted in his acquittal for affray, he expressed understanding of the mental toll on his teammates. “How I handle this moment right now is the most important thing to me,” he stated during a pre-game press conference.
The controversy surrounding Duckett follows claims made by Rob Key, the managing director of England cricket, regarding excessive drinking during the team’s mid-tour break in Noosa. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is currently investigating the matter, which has only heightened the pressure on the squad as they prepare for the final two Tests of the series.
Stokes acknowledged the frustration among his players over the disappointing tour, stating, “We have a goal still to try and achieve out here on this trip – it’s not gone anywhere near to plan.” He reassured his team that they still have much to play for and are determined to secure victories in the last two matches.
The video in question, which features a man identified as Duckett appearing disoriented and slurring his words, reportedly dates back to before the Adelaide Test. Although the footage has not been officially verified, it has circulated widely, raising concerns regarding the players’ conduct during their break.
In light of the ongoing scrutiny, Stokes addressed the challenges of leadership during difficult times, asserting the need for his players to maintain focus on cricket. “I’m very determined to leave Australia with something positive to look back on,” he remarked.
When questioned about the validity of the criticism surrounding England’s performance, Stokes acknowledged that underperformance invites scrutiny. “When you’re 3-0 down and you’ve lost the series, everything you say, everything you do gets scrutinised… and rightly so,” he stated.
As the team prepares for its next challenge, the focus remains on recovering from a series that has not gone as planned. Stokes’s commitment to the welfare of his teammates and their determination to finish the tour on a high note serves as the focal point for England as they gear up for the Boxing Day Test.
