Overview
- Managing director Rob Key said reports of excessive drinking during the mid-series break in Noosa will be investigated and called such behavior completely unacceptable.
- An ECB statement said it is aware of content circulating online, is establishing the facts, and will not comment further while following established conduct processes.
- A video posted on X appears to show opener Ben Duckett intoxicated and disoriented, with the ECB working to verify when and by whom the footage was taken.
- The Noosa trip was planned a year in advance by head coach Brendon McCullum to allow players to switch off, and Key said initial accounts suggested players largely behaved and had only the odd drink.
- Key noted previous informal warnings after an earlier social-media clip in Wellington, as the conduct inquiry unfolds alongside scrutiny of England’s preparation and leadership following three straight Test defeats.