Ben Duckett video draws ECB attention during Ashes tour

The England and Wales Cricket Board has moved to establish the facts around a video featuring Ben Duckett, after footage surfaced online from England’s short stay in Noosa. The clip, shared on X, appears to show the opener struggling to find his way back to the team hotel during the squad’s scheduled pause between Tests.

England were already under pressure following their defeat in Brisbane, a result that pushed them 2–0 behind in the Ashes. Within hours of the clip gaining traction, England men’s managing director Rob Key confirmed the board would review the wider trip to the Sunshine Coast.

Head coach Brendon McCullum had locked it into the schedule a year earlier, believing a reset away from cricket grounds could lift energy levels. No formal training sessions were planned, and players were given space to switch off.

England showed some improvement on the field, and Adelaide was their most competitive performance of the tour. Australia won by 82 runs, sealed the series with two matches left, and retained the Ashes in less than two weeks.

ECB Response and Past Context

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed it was aware of the footage and pointed to its rules on player conduct. Officials also said support systems are available for players who need help. For now, the board has not said more, apart from confirming that checks are ongoing.

Duckett’s form has reflected England’s uneven tour, as he has scored 97 runs so far at an average of just over 16. On the 2017–18 tour, he was sent home early from a Lions tour because of an off-field incident in Perth. It shows that he has faced discipline problems before.

England now turns toward Melbourne with pride, if not silverware, still at stake. The ECB’s findings may not change results, but they will add another layer to a tour already heavy with questions.