Did England engage in ‘stag do’ drinking on Ashes tour?

ECB to investigate players after social media clips emerge

- JACK RATHBORN

England have attracted more negative attention during the disastrous Ashes tour after an investigation was launched following reports that their mid-series break in Noosa resembled a “stag do”. Rob Key, the ECB’s managing director of men’s cricket, is looking into the alleged drinking sessions after the tourists surrendered the Ashes in a humiliating 11 days of play, falling to a 3-0 deficit with two Tests remaining, setting up a new era and an end to Bazball.

Head coach Brendon McCullum admitted England’s preparation “didn’t work”, which included England’s planned trip to seaside town Noosa, despite poor performances in the first two Tests in Perth and Brisbane.

The long-planned break was designed to allow the players time to relax and unwind on what has always been an intense and lengthy itinerary, but alcohol consumption is now a pressing concern.

England’s players were followed by several TV crews, photographers and reporters, limiting the opportunity to fully switch off.

Why were England in Noosa?

England players spent four nights on the Queensland coast following the second Test defeat to Australia in preparation for the third Test. Given the lengthy time spent in Australia, England pinpointed the gap in the schedule as an opportunity to recharge the batteries. Those players present in the Test side and England's white-ball teams, including Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett and Jofra Archer, could be away from home for up to six months - with tours to New Zealand, Australia, and the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in the new year - ensuring breaks are necessary to avoid burnout.

What are the allegations?