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.
More News
Sabbhineni Meghana retires from all forms of cricket
Indian women cricketer and top-order batter Sabbhineni Meghana has retried from all forms of cricket, bringing to an end a four-year-long journey in Indian colours. Making her international debut in 2022, Meghana went on to represent India in three ODIs and 17 T20Is. She was also part of the Indian squad that won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
"Stepping onto...
Shikhar Mohan earns India a call-up after back-to-back centuries in Ranji Trophy
Jharkhand batter Shikhar Mohan has earned a place in the India A squad for the four-day matches against New Zealand A following his impressive performances in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. The 21-year-old left-handed opener has scored centuries in both of his first two matches this season. Mohan will join the India A squad for the second and third matches as India prepare for their...
Bangladesh confirm squad for West Indies Tests, Taskin Ahmed returns
Bangladesh have announced their squad for the opening match of the upcoming two-match Test series, with pacer Taskin Ahmed being recalled to the side after missing the one-off Test against Afghanistan earlier this month.
Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been included in the squad after he was ruled out of ODI tri-series in UAE due to a hip injury. The squad also f...
Australian Umpire Ben Treloar makes Ranji Trophy debut in India
Australian umpire Ben Treloar made his Ranji Trophy debut during the Delhi vs Gujarat match at the Palam Air Force B Ground under the umpire exchange programme between Cricket Australia (CA) and the BCCI. The match ended in a high-scoring draw, with Delhi declaring at 648/6 and Gujarat scoring 479 runs. Treloar officiated for 318.5 overs over four days in temperatures reaching ...
“A loss makes you ask questions”: Pat Cummins after Australia’s humiliating loss against South Africa
Australia captain Pat Cummins is keeping his options open ahead of the must-win clash in the third and final Test against South Africa in Cape Town, with Cameron Green and Josh Inglis expected to be available after recovering from their respective injuries. Australia copped a crushing defeat in the second Test, giving the Proteas an opportunity...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Instagram
Twitter