ECB reacts after unverified video of England opener appearing drunk goes viral amid disastrous Ashes 2025-26 campaign

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have issued a statement regarding the unverified video of an allegedly drunk Ben Duckett in Australia during the Ashes 2025-26 series. The board stated they were trying to establish facts and would not arrive at any conclusion at this stage, but added they wouldn't entertain when "conduct falls below expectations".

The video that went viral on Tuesday, December 23, allegedly shows Duckett interacting with some locals. The incident has come to light after England men's team's managing director Rob Key promised investigation after BBC claimed that the English team's mid-Ashes beach break in Noosa seemed like "stag do".

Here's the viral video:

On this matter, an ECB spokesperson told Sky Sports:

"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."

As per Sky Sports, a host of reporters followed the visiting team in Noosa and the coverage focused on how some players even spent six days drinking.

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England concede Ashes in 11 days ahead of final two Tests

Ben Stokes has faced a tough time as captain. (Credits: Getty)

Along with the off-field scrutiny, England are also facing widespread criticism for their performances in the first three Tests of the high-profile Ashes. The series-opener in Perth ended in less than two days after the tourists were bowled out twice only in 66.9 overs. With 205 to win, Travis Head belted a hundred as Australia stormed to an eight-wicket victory.

Ben Stokes and Co. fought well in Brisbane and Adelaide but lost key moments, including dropping catches in crucial junctures to let Australia get away. The last two matches in Melbourne and Sydney present England with an opportunity to salvage some pride, having gone winless in their last 18 Tests Down Under.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava