Former England captain Michael Vaughan has come to the defence of Ben Duckett amid growing criticism surrounding England’s conduct during their Ashes tour of Australia. Vaughan argued that players having a few beers during a scheduled break should not be exaggerated, especially when England’s real issues lie firmly on the field.
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England’s disappointing Ashes campaign has been further overshadowed by scrutiny of the team’s four-day mid-series break in Noosa, which has sparked debate over professionalism and priorities. With England already trailing 3–0 and out of contention to regain the urn, Duckett has found himself under particular focus after struggling at the top of the order, managing a highest score of just 28 across the first three Tests.
Michael Vaughan defends Duckett, questions cricket’s drinking culture
Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Vaughan made it clear that his criticism of England is reserved for their cricketing performances rather than how players spend sanctioned time off. The former skipper said he sees no issue with players unwinding during a break, drawing parallels with his own playing days.
“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,” Vaughan wrote. He added that while he did the same as a player, knowing when to call it a night is something Duckett may still need to learn.
Vaughan also rejected calls for disciplinary action, insisting the situation should be viewed in a broader context. According to him, the issue extends beyond Duckett or the current England side and reflects a long-standing culture within the sport.
“Duckett should not be reprimanded at all on the evidence we have seen, and neither should the other players. This is a wider issue cricket has created this drinking culture. England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa all have the same culture. Give a group of young people three or four days off and they’re going to do something like that,” he added.
The Noosa break has drawn criticism from several Australian commentators, with the controversy intensifying after a video circulated on X appearing to show Duckett in an intoxicated state. It remains unclear when or where the footage was recorded, and its authenticity could not be independently verified. England managing director Rob Key has since said the matter will be investigated, stressing that excessive drinking is not acceptable for an international team, while also noting that early indications suggested most players behaved responsibly.
On the field, England’s struggles remain far more concerning. Their defeat in Adelaide extended a prolonged slump in Australia, where they have not won a Test match since 2011. Since that Ashes series, England have lost 16 of their last 18 Tests Down Under, with just two draws.
With two matches remaining, Ben Stokes and his side are now playing for pride and to avoid a 5–0 whitewash, which would mark England’s fourth such Ashes defeat in history.
