Stokes leaps to defence of under-fire England opener Duckett

SKIPPER'S SUPPORT AMID BOOZING CLAIMS

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England skipper Ben Stokes has defended opener Ben Duckett

ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes has thrown a protective arm around his beleaguered side and pledged his support for under-fire opener Ben Duckett.

The tourists have already surrendered the urn after going 3-0 down and their buildup to the Boxing Day Test was beset by reports of excessive drinking on their mid-series trip to Noosa.

Within hours of managing director Rob Key announcing he would be investigating the squad's alcohol intake on the trip, unverified footage emerged on social media appearing to show an inebriated Duckett in a tense exchange with members of the public.

Speaking for the first time since the England and Wales Cricket Board issued a statement reiterating its "high expectations of behaviour", Stokes said his priority as skipper was shielding his players from the growing glare of scrutiny.