England captain Ben Stokes has publicly backed opening batsman Ben Duckett, who is facing intense scrutiny following reports of off-field misconduct and a string of poor batting performances during the Ashes tour. Stokes emphasized his primary responsibility as captain is to shield his players from external pressure, especially during challenging periods.
Stokes stated his intention to provide unwavering support to Duckett, drawing from his own personal experiences with public criticism and mental health struggles. He highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive environment where players feel comfortable seeking help and guidance, particularly when facing overwhelming circumstances.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reiterated its expectations for player conduct, following an incident that allegedly involved an inebriated Duckett engaging with the public. Managing director Rob Key confirmed an investigation into the squad’s alcohol consumption during their mid-series break in Noosa.
Duckett’s position in the team has become increasingly precarious, with a batting average of just 16 in the current Ashes series. Despite the mounting pressure and the lack of specialist reserve openers available on tour, Stokes’ support suggests Duckett will likely feature in the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
In further team changes, Ollie Pope has been dropped from the number three batting position after a prolonged period of low scores. He will be replaced by uncapped Jacob Bethell, marking a significant opportunity for the young player in what is expected to be a highly charged atmosphere.
Fast bowler Jofra Archer has also been ruled out for the remainder of the tour due to a left side strain, with Gus Atkinson coming into the England XI. These changes underscore the team’s efforts to regroup and address performance issues as the series concludes.
