Ben Stokes says he is going through the toughest period of his time as England captain, with the team struggling badly in the Ashes series and facing off-field controversy.
England are already 3–0 down to Australia, meaning they can no longer win the Ashes and are now trying to avoid a heavy series defeat. The situation has been made worse by reports of excessive drinking during the team’s break in Noosa, which is now being investigated by England’s director of cricket, Rob Key.
A video shared on social media appeared to show opener Ben Duckett drunk, though the BBC has not confirmed its authenticity. The England and Wales Cricket Board says it is looking into the matter.
Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Stokes admitted the pressure is immense but said he will not shy away from leading the team through a difficult moment. He stressed that his main focus is making sure the players are okay mentally and emotionally.
Stokes, who has faced his own personal struggles in the past, including legal issues and mental health challenges, said he understands how tough things can feel when problems pile up.
Despite the criticism, Duckett has kept his place in the team, with Stokes publicly backing him and calling him an important member of the squad.
With England on a long winless run in Australia and facing the risk of a 5–0 whitewash, Stokes said the team must stay united and try to use the criticism as motivation ahead of the remaining matches.
