England will look into reports that some players drank heavily during a break in the Ashes series in the Australian beach town of Noosa, according to director of cricket Rob Key.
The England squad spent four nights in Noosa between the second and third Ashes Tests. Media reports, including from the BBC, claimed that some players were drinking for much of their time there, and also during the two days before the second Test in Brisbane.
Although England played better in the third Test in Adelaide, they still lost, meaning Australia now lead the Ashes 3-0and England cannot win back the series.
Rob Key said some headlines may be exaggerated, but stressed that drinking excessively is not acceptable and that England will investigate to find out the actual facts. He said he does not support a drinking culture, though he has no issue with players having a single drink with a meal.
Players were warned they would attract media attention in Noosa, and images emerged of some squad members drinking at a bar. Key said context matters and that the situation would be reviewed properly.
Key also referenced earlier reports involving Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell drinking before a match in New Zealand, saying informal warnings were given but no formal action was taken.
Despite the controversy, Key defended the decision to allow the Noosa break, pointing out that players face long periods away from home, intense Ashes scrutiny, and constant exposure to cricket through social media. He said time away from the game is important for players’ mental wellbeing, as long as standards of behaviour are maintained.
