England’s players enjoyed a mid-series break in Noosa after going 2-0 down in the Ashes and it’s been claimed that the trip became a glorified stag do, angering fans
Rob Key has confirmed an investigation into ‘unacceptable’ reports that England’s cricket players turned to their mid-Ashes break into a stag do and drank excessively. England spent four nights in the Australian beach town of Noosa between the second and third Tests, both of which they lost.
Brendon McCullum’s side are now 3-0 down with two matches remaining, ensuring that their long wait to win the Ashes in Australia goes on. To add to the fury surrounding their abject performances and lack of preparation, it was reported by several outlets that some players drank for six consecutive days, firstly in Brisbane – where the second Test took place – and then in Noosa.
At that point, only six days of Ashes cricket had taken place. Australia won the opening match in Perth on day two before taking four days to beat England in Brisbane.
Following the tourists’ decisive loss by 82 runs in Adelaide, England managing director Key told BBC Sport: “Headlines can be misleading at times, saying it’s a stag do and stuff like that.
“Stories of players drinking six days solid – that’s unacceptable. We’ll be looking into seeing what the facts are as opposed to the things that have been embellished or elaborated on.”
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The trip was arranged ahead of the tour and ex-England batsman Key wasn’t present. The players were regularly followed by Australian media and shots of them drinking on the main high street were broadcast on national television.
“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,” Key, who’d warned England’s stars about their conduct ahead of the Ashes, added.
“If it’s true that it became a stag do and people are out drinking all the time excessively, that’s not acceptable. I don’t agree with a drinking culture. I don’t like a drinking culture.”
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The investigation will increase scrutiny on the already under-fire McCullum. England’s head coach says that he wants to remain in charge but admits that the decision won’t be up to him.
Speaking ahead of the fourth Test in Melbourne, which starts on Boxing Day, McCullum said: “It’s a pretty good gig. It’s good fun. You travel the world with the lads and try to play some exciting cricket and try to achieve some things.
“You want to try to get the best out of people. I don’t do anything to protect the job. It’s a matter of trying to just get the very best out of the people and try to achieve what you can with them.”
Australia will be without both Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for the fourth Test. Cummins will continue to recover from his recent back injury after only playing in Adelaide while Lyon will have surgery after tearing his hamstring.
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