England skipper Ben Stokes has come out in defence of his teammates after reports suggested that England’s mid-Ashes break in Noosa between the second and third Test involved the excessive consumption of alcohol. The England Cricket Board is currently investigating claims of the English team’s drinking culture after a video of Ben Duckett went viral, appearing to show intoxication.
Stokes has hit back at the viral social media post and allegations that the mid-series break was akin to a stag-do, saying his main concern is the wellbeing of his teammates. “How I handle this moment right now is the most important thing to me. The welfare of everyone in there and probably some certain individuals as well is the most important thing to me right now as England captain,” Stokes told reporters at a press conference before the Boxing Day Test, as quoted by Fox Cricket.
Gus Atkinson and Jacob Bethell
“This kind of stuff…I have first hand experience of how it can affect people. And as I said, my role as England captain is to protect my players as much as I possibly can. “Looking after my players is one of the main things that I need to get out of this because we need to go out there and win two games of cricket. Right here right now, that is my main job as England captain is to ensure that they know that they have my backing because the most important thing to me,” the all-rounder added.
England have already lost the Ashes, courtesy of their 82-run loss in the third Test at Adelaide, which followed two successive eight-wicket drubbings at Perth and Brisbane. The Boxing Day Test will begin on December 26.
Bethell, Atkinson replace Archer, Pope
England bowler Jofra Archer will not play in the remaining two Ashes tests due to a left side strain. Pacer Gus Atkinson will take his spot for the fourth Test here. Additionally, Jacob Bethell will replace Ollie Pope.
England XI: Z Crawley, B Duckett, J Bethell, J Root, H Brook, B Stokes, J Smith, W Jacks, G Atkinson, B Carse, J Tongue
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