Ashes: England team under fire for excessive drinking in Noosa
What's the story
The England cricket team is set to face an investigation over allegations of excessive drinking during a long break in the ongoing Ashes series Down Under. The break between the second and third Tests saw England travel to Noosa, a beach town on Queensland's coast, where the squad spent four nights. Despite their improved performance in Adelaide, England lost to Australia, who retained the Ashes.
Allegations
Reports of prolonged drinking sessions
Multiple media outlets, including BBC, have reported that some England players spent a considerable amount of time drinking in Noosa and Brisbane. The break was pre-planned for the Ashes tour and continued even after England fell behind 2-0 in the series. While the entire squad was in Noosa during this period, England's director of cricket, Rob Key, was elsewhere in Queensland.
Response
Key addresses media scrutiny and player behavior
Following the Adelaide Test, Key acknowledged the media scrutiny on players and their presence in public spaces. He said, "When you see a picture of five or six guys sitting down for lunch, a couple of them having drinks, you need to see what's going on with that." He also stressed that if it turned into excessive drinking, it would be unacceptable, as he doesn't support a drinking culture.
Defense
Right to take a break
Despite the concerns over some players in Noosa, Key guarded England's right to take a break from the Ashes. He said, "Harry Brook is going to only be at home for six days this entire winter." Key added that it's important for players to have time away from cricket as they can't do it by staying at home.
Series
Where the Ashes series stands
Despite being ahead at one stage, England lost the opening Test to Australia by eight wickets in Perth. The hosts then outclassed England at The Gabba, a pink-ball affair. Australia took a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series, winning both Tests within six days of play. England lost by 82 runs at Adelaide Oval thereafter, losing the series. Melbourne and Sydney will host the final two Tests.