Overview
- Australia lead the series 3-0 after three quick defeats for England, who head into the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne with the urn already retained by the hosts.
- The ECB says it is aware of content circulating online and will establish the facts, as Rob Key investigates reports that the Noosa break involved excessive drinking and stresses such behavior would be unacceptable.
- A viral, unverified video appears to show opener Ben Duckett intoxicated in Noosa, with officials seeking verification; Duckett remains in the side for the fourth Test.
- Ben Stokes says safeguarding his squad’s welfare is his top priority, calls for empathy, and describes this as his toughest period as captain while vowing to protect his players.
- Key publicly supports McCullum’s position but acknowledges a broader review may follow, as England confirm changes for Melbourne with Jofra Archer ruled out and Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson coming in, with Ollie Pope dropped.