England’s cricket leadership has pledged to investigate allegations that players engaged in heavy drinking during a scheduled team break in Noosa, Australia, between Ashes Tests. The team’s director, Rob Key, defended the principle of the mid-series respite but stated that any behavior resembling a “glorified stag do” would be unacceptable.
The break on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast followed England’s defeat in Brisbane, which left them trailing 3-0 in the series. Key confirmed that the post-series review will examine whether the four-day trip was the best preparation for the subsequent Test in Adelaide. Reports have suggested several players spent multiple days drinking.
“I’m not a drinker. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for an international cricket team is not something that I’d expect to see at any stage,” Key said. He added that initial accounts indicated players had meals with “the odd drink” and did not stay out late, but he vowed to verify the full details through the team’s security and reporting channels.
Key strongly supported the concept of giving players, especially those involved in multiple formats, a chance to disconnect during a grueling winter schedule. He argued that opportunities to “live a normal life,” such as going to the beach, are vital for well-being. However, he drew a clear line, stating that a “drinking culture doesn’t help anyone” and that excessive partying would be “completely unacceptable.”
This is not the first time player conduct has been under scrutiny. Earlier in the winter, two players were reprimanded after being photographed drinking the night before a one-day international in New Zealand.
Reflecting on the cricket itself, Key acknowledged Australia’s bowling superiority and conceded that some selections may have been persisted with for too long during the series. He also noted that early-season white-ball matches in New Zealand, played for crucial World Cup ranking points, may have hampered the preparation of certain batsmen for Australian conditions.
Regarding the future of the team’s leadership, including his own role and that of head coach Brendon McCullum, Key said the decision rests with the England and Wales Cricket Board. He pointed to a strong overall record over four years but admitted the team has “mucked up on the big occasions,” including the last home Ashes series and a recent drawn series against India they felt they should have won.
“The decision for the ECB will be whether or not they want to rip it up and start again, or whether they want to evolve and whether we’re the right people to do that,” Key stated. He expressed his belief that there is “plenty of life” in the current project but stressed the need for evolution and improvement.