ECB Launches Investigation into Alleged Ashes ‘Stag Do’ in Noosa

BRISBANE : The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an investigation into reports of excessive alcohol consumption by players during a mid-series break in the beach town of Noosa.

The investigation follows allegations that members of the squad spent a significant portion of a four-night break drinking, following a 2-0 deficit in the Ashes. England has since lost the third Test in Adelaide, handing Australia an unassailable 3-0 series lead in just 11 days of play.

Director of Cricket Rob Key confirmed that the governing body is looking into the facts behind the headlines. “Stories of players drinking six days solid—that’s unacceptable,” Key told BBC Sport. “We’ll be looking into seeing what the facts are as opposed to the things that have been embellished or elaborated on.”

Key emphasized that while a social lunch is permissible, a sustained “drinking culture” is not. “If it’s true that it became a stag do and people are out drinking all the time excessively, that’s not acceptable. I don’t agree with a drinking culture,” he added.

The Noosa incident is not the only conduct issue under scrutiny. Key revealed he had previously investigated social media footage of white-ball captain Harry Brook and batter Jacob Bethell drinking the night before a match in New Zealand last month.

While no formal action was taken in that instance, Key described it as a “wake-up call” for the players. “I don’t mind players having a glass of wine over dinner. Anything more than that, I think is ridiculous,” Key stated.

The break in Noosa was captured by TV cameras and photographers, showing players at outdoor bars on the town’s main high street. The ECB is now reviewing whether the players’ behavior breached team protocols during one of the most scrutinized tours in world sport.