Australian batter Travis Head has played down the controversy surrounding England’s mid-Ashes trip to Noosa, suggesting the episode has been blown out of proportion. The England squad faced criticism after some players were spotted drinking alcohol during a short break in the middle of the high-stakes series.

Head even joked that he was “jealous” of England’s brief getaway, especially during such a physically and mentally demanding Ashes campaign. Speaking after Australia’s loss to England in the fourth Test, the left-hander said such breaks are common on long tours and insisted the reaction had gone too far.

“I am jealous. Everyone else has made a lot more out of it than what it should have been. We’ve done the same thing on past tours, so I didn’t really have an issue with it,” Head said.

‘Everyone Is Still Human’: Head Backs England Players

Head stressed that players should be allowed space during their personal time, even while living under constant public scrutiny.

“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 and get themselves into situations, but at the end of the day, it’s a bit stiff,” he added.

The Australian batter also revealed that he reached out to England opener Ben Duckett after a viral social media video emerged ahead of the Melbourne Test, which appeared to show Duckett intoxicated.

“I get on with Ducky well and reached out to him to see if he was going alright. Everyone is still human. I don’t think there is any real issue,” Head said.

Meanwhile, England’s managing director Rob Key confirmed that the board had launched an internal investigation following reports of players drinking heavily during the four-night trip to Noosa, a coastal town in Queensland, between the second and third Tests.

England’s short break came after they fell 2–0 behind in the Ashes following defeats in Perth and Brisbane. Reports claimed several players spent significant time drinking during the Noosa stay and on two earlier days in Brisbane, further intensifying scrutiny on the team.

Also Read: Rajeev Shukla clears air with big statement on Gautam Gambhir’s coaching future