TOP STORIES
Former England cricketer defends Ben Duckett amid backlash
A much-needed break that was intended to help the England players regroup in the ongoing Ashes has turned into an unfolding controversy, with senior cricket bosses now investigating social media footage and off-field behaviour from players during the squad’s stay at Noosa Beach. The situation intensified after a video clip of England opener Ben Duckett circulated on social media, showing him appearing intoxicated and unable to find his way back to the team hotel. Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan defended Ben Duckett, stating that a few drinks on downtime are part of the sport’s culture and shouldn’t overshadow their on-field performance issues.
“I am not going to criticise England for what they got up to in Noosa. I criticise what they do on the cricket field, the way they play and the way they prepare to play cricket.
“I am not going to point the finger at a group of young people who have had a few beers on a couple of days off. I did exactly the same as them when I played for England, although I did at least know when it was time to go home and that is probably what Ben Duckett needs to learn.”
Vaughan also rubbished the calls for disciplinary action.
“Duckett should not be reprimanded at all on the evidence we have seen, and neither should the other players, because it is a wider issue: the game of cricket has created this drinking culture. England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa all have the same culture. You give a group of young people three or four days off to relax, and they’re going to do something like that,” he added.
Tags
More News
Pakistan to host Australia ahead of T20I World Cup 2026
Pakistan are set to host Australia in a three-match T20I series in the build-up to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The series will be crucial for both sides in their preparations for the global event.
This will also mark Australia’s return to T20 cricket in Pakistan after a four-year gap. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ...
WPL 2026: Struggling UP Warriorz lock horns with high-flying MI
UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians are ready to cross swords in the eighth match of the ongoing WPL 2026 encounter, scheduled to be played on Thursday in Navi Mumbai. Both sides head into the contest from contrasting positions on the points table. On one hand, UP Warriorz are still searching for a win, and on the other, Mumbai Indians are brimming with confidence w...
ACB limits players' availability to three foreign leagues per year
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has taken a massive step by approving a new policy that limits their players’ participation in overseas leagues. Under the decision, Afghan cricketers will be allowed to feature in only three international franchise leagues per year, in addition to competing in the board’s own upcoming five-team franchise-based T20 tournament.
"To prote...
Daryl Mitchell’s sublime century helps New Zealand level series against India
New Zealand came out all guns blazing, producing a commanding all-round performance to defeat India by seven wickets in the second ODI on Wednesday in Rajkot to level the three-match series 1–1. Riding on the sublime century from Daryl Mitchell and an impressive 87 from Will Young, New Zealand orchestrated a decisive chase to avoid series defea...
"They discuss with Gautam": Indian batting coach Kotak dismisses rift rumours, backs Kohli–Rohit’s role in team planning
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak brushed aside speculation surrounding a supposed communication gap between senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Kotak made it clear that the two stalwarts remain actively engaged in discussions with the team management.
"Both of them are so senior and so expe...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram