Stokes offers his support to Duckett after viral video

England captain Ben Stokes is offering his full support to under- fire Ben Duckett, after a viral video on social media put the opener in the spotlight. The tourists' boozy break in Noosa between the second and third Ashes Test matches has sparked controversy.

- RORY DOLLARD

Managing director Rob Key confirmed an investigation is underway over the squad's alcohol intake throughout the series, underlining how "unacceptable" it would be if behaviour resembled a "stag-do".

And after unverified footage emerged in what appeared to show an inebriated Duckett in a tense exchange with members of the public, Stokes has emphasised his role in putting a protective arm around his beleaguered side despite reiterating the England and Wales Cricket Board's "high expectations of behaviour".

There will be nowhere to hide at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where a festive crowd of around 90,000 are expected to dish out plenty of partisan barracking, with Duckett's precarious position hardly helped by a series batting average of just 16.