Former England cricketer Stuart Broad has firmly rejected claims that the men's team has a problem with alcohol following their 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, Broad addressed the rumours sparked by recent incidents involving players like Harry Brook and Ben Duckett.

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Stuart Broad insisted the senior core is disciplined, stating, "I look at this England team, they are not drinking. I have seen loads of things about a drinking culture, but there is not one." He specifically named key players to support his point, "(Zak) Crawley, (Ollie) Pope, (Ben) Stokes, (Joe) Root, they are not really drinkers. They are not party animals."

He argued that isolated incidents shouldn't define the squad, noting, "There have just been a couple of guys who have made mistakes and that's got into the media." Broad believes the solution isn't strict rules but better teamwork. "It's having the team-mates around you to go 'your time's up, mate'," he explained. "It's up to your teammates to get you out of those situations."

Broad emphasised collective responsibility, "Your culture is really strong when Ben Duckett isn't left alone (and has) no idea where his hotel is, and Harry Brook doesn't get himself in a situation with a bouncer because he's not allowed anywhere near that situation. And that is when your culture is really strong."

He suggested that management would prefer players take responsibility rather than imposing rules. "I think that's the thing that will disappoint Baz (McCullum). I'd be very surprised if Baz and (managing director of men's cricket) Rob Key bang on curfews, they'll just be saying 'look after each other a bit, let's get tighter'."

Regarding potential restrictions, Stuart Broad was clear, "I really didn't like having a 12 o'clock curfew, because I just didn't feel like you should need it." He added that players need downtime, "As an international player, you need some sort of release. If you don't have that mental switch off - cricketers are away six months of the year in hotels, it drives you mad if you don't do anything."

Stuart Broad concluded confidently, "I'd hang my hat on that knowing the boys as well as I do."