Ben Stokes offers full support to Duckett despite off-field controversy

MELBOURNE: England captain Ben Stokes has offered his 'complete support' to opener Ben Duckett, confirming that Duckett will retain his place in the side for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, despite a string of low scores and an ongoing ECB investigation into his conduct.

Duckett has failed to reach 30 in six innings during the Ashes series so far, and a video circulating on social media appeared to show him intoxicated, disoriented while returning to his hotel, and using offensive language towards a fan. 

The footage emerged hours after England's managing director, Rob Key, pledged to investigate reports of heavy drinking by players during the team's trip to Noosa following the second Test. 

The ECB stated on Monday night that it was "aware" of the video and would "establish the facts".

For the fourth Test, England have made two changes: Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson replace Ollie Pope and the injured Jofra Archer. 

Despite Duckett's struggles—he averages 16.16 in Australia and has not scored a half-century in his last 12 international innings across formats—he remains in the XI, with no alternative opener available in the squad.

Key had described excessive drinking on international tours as 'completely unacceptable' before the video surfaced. 

However, Stokes emphasised Duckett’s value to the team, calling him an "important player" and "incredibly influential" in the England dressing room.

"It's all pretty fresh and pretty new," Stokes said. "I've spoken to him and offered my complete support. He's such an important player for this team, and we still have two games of cricket to play. Supporting him and letting him know he has backing is very, very important."

Stokes, who has previously faced intense media scrutiny—including a suspension from the 2017-18 Ashes tour following a street altercation—acknowledged the pressures players face. 

"I have first-hand experience of how this can affect people. My job as England captain is not only to get results but also to help players be in the right mental space to perform."

When pressed on whether Duckett had done anything wrong, Stokes declined to comment directly. "I'm here to support him. I'll always support my players, and I made that clear."

England's tour of Australia has been difficult, with the team trailing 3-0 in the five-match Ashes series. Stokes described the current period as the most challenging of his captaincy. 

"This is, most definitely, the hardest time I've had as England captain. Players deserve empathy while touring overseas for long periods. It's gruelling, and the scrutiny can be intense, particularly when results aren't going our way."