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MELBOURNE: England skipper Ben Stokes has thrown his weight behind opener Ben Duckett after the ECB launched a probe into a viral video allegedly showing the batter intoxicated during the Noosa trip.
The video, which surfaced on the X platform, shows Ben Duckett reportedly appearing drunk and losing on his way back to the team hotel in Noosa during the break between the second Ashes Test.
Despite the controversy, Duckett is set to play the fourth Test of the Ashes series, starting Friday.
Ahead of the Test match, Duckett got Stokes’ public backing with the skipper describing him as the linchpin of England’s batting lineup and an influential figure in the change room.
“It’s all pretty fresh and pretty new. I’ve obviously reached out and spoken to him and offered my complete support to him throughout this.
The 34-year-old recalled reflecting on his challenging time during the 2018 Australia tour, saying scrutiny can heavily affect players off the field.
“I have first-hand experience of how this can affect people,” he said.
“I will always support my players, particularly in a moment like this where everything feels like it’s on top of you – and for some players more than others as well.
My job as England captain is obviously to be out there and get results for the team, but also to try to give people the best chance of being in a mental space where they can go out there and perform,” he concluded.
Duckett, who is yet to make his mark down under after a series of low scores in the first three Tests, will now be under scrutiny as England look for their first win on Australian soil since their triumphant 2011 tour.
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