Ben Stokes Pledges Full Backing for Duckett Amid Growing Pressure

Ben Stokes is standing firmly behind Duckett amid growing pressure after the reports of heavy drinking in Noosa went viral. His backing has also given Duckett another chance in the series, as the opener has retained his place in the England Playing XI for the Melbourne test.

The managing director of England, Rob Key, has also said that he is looking into the reports of drinking to establish the facts. He categorically stated that drinking culture within an international cricket team is unacceptable, and the board will take appropriate action if anyone is found to be engaged in such conduct.

However, the captain of England has reaffirmed his support for Ben Duckett. Stokes said that he spoke with Duckett recently to offer him full backing during this tough time.

"It's all pretty fresh and pretty new. I've obviously reached out and spoken to him and offered my complete support with him throughout this. He's such an important player for this team, and we've still got two games of cricket to play. He's an incredibly influential person within this group," said Ben Stokes while talking to the reporters.

He then explained how incidents like this can affect a player’s mental state. As a captain, he wants to back his players during such moments, so that their performances in matches are not affected.

"I have first-hand experience of how this can affect people. I will always support my players, particularly in a moment like this where everything feels like it's on top of you - and for some players more than others as well,” said England test captain, Ben Stokes.

“My job as England captain is obviously to be out there and get results for the team, but also to try to give people the best chance of being in a mental space where they can go out there and perform,” added Ben Stokes.

He further added that Duckett understands the support he has received from the entire team. It is certainly a challenging time for him, but the team will back him to come out of this strongly.

"Supporting them and letting them know that I will be there for them through thick and thin is very, very important, and Ben Duckett knows that… I know what it's like. It's not a nice place to be in, but he knows that he's got the support of myself and the other guys around him as well," said Ben Stokes.

Going Through a Challenging Period

After losing back-to-back matches against Australia, England came under heavy criticism during the last few days. Stokes acknowledged that he is currently going through a challenging period, which is testing his resolve as England captain.

"I've been in this role for a while now, and I've had some very, very, very good times. Right here, right now, this is, most definitely, the hardest time that I've had as England captain," said Ben Stokes.

The Ashes debacle has drawn plenty of negative comments toward the England team. They have come under heavy fire, as fans have slammed their failed tactics to take on the Australian team. Stokes believes that fans have the right to question the team after poor performances, but there should be some empathy for the players in such moments. They need support during tough times, especially when things aren’t going their way.

"It is very grueling, and it is tough when you're here, there, and everywhere. You have to deal with the emotions of being away, the scrutiny that you are under, in particular when things aren't going well… There needs to be a little bit of empathy," concluded Ben Stokes.