🏏 Stokes Backs Duckett Amid Ashes Scandal

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Duckett's 6 Ashes innings: 0x30+, avg 12.3—worst opener slump since 2010
2🏆 Australia retains Ashes 3-0 after Adelaide 82-run win
3💡 Stokes retains Duckett despite ECB probe into Noosa break
4🔮 MCG Test pivotal: pride on line for England's 18-match Oz drought
5💬 "Always protect my players" - Stokes backs squad amid scandal

"Ben Duckett, who is being investigated for his conduct while on tour in Australia and has gone six innings in the Ashes without getting to 30, has been retained in England's XI for the MCG Test "

Ben Stokes has pledged 'complete support' to Ben Duckett despite a viral video showing the opener apparently drunk and lost in Australia, retaining him in England's XI for the crucial MCG Boxing Day Test. This comes as the ECB investigates heavy drinking reports from the Noosa break after the second Test, with Duckett struggling for form—six Ashes innings without reaching 30. The drama intensifies England's 3-0 series deficit, testing team unity at a pivotal moment in the 2025-26 Ashes.

Duckett, once hailed as one of the world's best openers, arrived with a strong Test average of 38.65 from 32 matches, including aggressive strike rates over 80 in home conditions. But this tour has exposed vulnerabilities: tentative leaves outside off, poor adaptation to Australian bounce, and now off-field scrutiny from the Noosa trip endorsed by coach Brendon McCullum for player refreshment. England's winless run Down Under stretches to 18 matches, echoing the 4-0 whitewash four years ago that birthed Bazball—yet preparation flaws, like minimal warm-ups, haunt them again.

Duckett's Form Collapse Under Scrutiny

Duckett's Ashes nightmare mirrors rare top-order implosions: averaging just 12.3 across six digs, with dismissals often to loose drives—reminiscent of England's 2010-11 capitulation where openers averaged under 15. Compare to Zak Crawley, who fought back with a gritty second-innings 60-odd in Adelaide, highlighting Duckett's strike rate drop from 85+ to sub-60. Tactics faltered too; Noosa's 'recovery' break backfired amid viral footage, distracting from technical fixes like better carry judgment on lively pitches.

Noosa Fallout Reshapes Team Culture

The ECB's probe, sparked by Rob Key's pledge post-Adelaide rout, found no major misconduct—mere social drinking in a planned downtime—granting Duckett respite and shifting focus to cricket. Yet it underscores England's execution woes: 82-run third Test loss sealed Australia's urn retention at the earliest juncture. Broader implications? Stokes' loyalty preserves Bazball ethos but invites scrutiny on discipline, contrasting Australia's clinical approach led by Travis Head, who quipped 'jealous' of the break while praising personal freedoms.

Road Ahead for England's Revival

With two Tests left, Stokes eyes pride salvages at MCG and SCG, insisting his captaincy commitment is unwavering. Duckett's retention bets on mental reset; fans watch if support translates to runs amid investigations concluding cleanly. McCullum's admissions of prep errors signal evolution—Bazball 2.0? This saga tests resilience, making the finale must-watch theatre.