The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced an investigation into allegations of excessive alcohol consumption by England players during the Ashes series in Australia.
According to international media Reports suggest that the team spent four nights in Noosa, a coastal city in Queensland, between the second and third Test matches, where questions were raised about some players’ off-field activities. Media outlets, including British broadcasters, claimed that several players consumed significant amounts of alcohol in Noosa and previously in Brisbane.
Despite showing improved performance in the third Test in Adelaide, England lost the match, and Australia secured a clean 3-0 series win in just 11 days.
England’s Director of Cricket, Rob Key, told a British broadcaster that media headlines sometimes create a misleading impression. He added, “If it is true that players engaged in continuous heavy drinking over several days, it is unacceptable, and the matter will be fully investigated.”
Key further clarified that he does not support a culture of excessive drinking and stressed the importance of uncovering the facts. He explained that the Noosa break had been planned before the tour and that all players were present, with photos and videos circulating due to media presence.
The ECB will now conduct a detailed review of the allegations to determine the facts and take any necessary action.
