Australia opener Travis Head has spoken out in defence of England batter Ben Duckett, following the circulation of a social media video appearing to show Duckett intoxicated before the Melbourne Test.
England launched an investigation after reports emerged that players had been drinking heavily during a break in Noosa, Queensland, between the second and third Ashes Tests. One video, which has not been independently verified, appeared to show Duckett under the influence, intensifying scrutiny on both the player and the team.
Head, who said he has a good relationship with Duckett, reached out to check on his counterpart. “I get on with Ducky well and reached out to him to see if he was going alright,” Head said. “Everyone is still human. What you do in your personal time is up to you. I know we live a high-profile life and some people are more high profile than others. At the end of the day, it is a bit stiff but I don’t think there is any real issue.”
The England team’s four nights in Noosa came after defeats in Perth and Brisbane left them 2-0 down in the series. Several media outlets reported that players were drinking heavily during their time on the Queensland coast, as well as on two previous days in Brisbane. Despite showing improvement in the Adelaide Test, England ultimately lost and conceded the series to Australia.
Speaking after Australia’s loss in Melbourne, Head suggested the media reaction had been overblown. “I was jealous. Everyone has made a lot more out of it than what it should have been. We have done the same thing on past tours. I don’t have an issue with it,” he said.
Head’s comments highlight the perspective of players familiar with the pressures and scrutiny of international cricket, and offer a rare public defence of Duckett amid the Ashes off-field controversy.
