England's beleaguered Ashes squad trained under the Melbourne sun on Christmas Day, showing determined spirits despite trailing the series 3-0. The session at the MCG came amidst fresh controversy surrounding batsman Ben Duckett and questions about the team's culture during the tour.
Training and Team Changes Ahead of Crucial Test
The players undertook a net session to finalise preparations for the pivotal Boxing Day Test, which begins at 11.30PM GMT tonight. Despite the series already being lost after just eleven days of cricket, the team is desperate to salvage pride and avoid an embarrassing 5-0 clean-sweep.
There were notable changes to the line-up, with Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson replacing the dropped Ollie Pope and the injured Jofra Archer respectively. Pope, who scored only 125 runs at an average of 20.83 in the first three Tests, was pictured looking dejected at training.
The mood, however, was largely upbeat. Several players, including Joe Root, donned Christmas hats during the session, and there were plenty of smiles. Duckett was seen laughing in conversation with head coach Brendon McCullum, while Archer also participated positively despite being ruled out of the remainder of the series with a side strain.
Duckett Video Sparks Dressing-Room Culture Questions
The festive training followed a difficult week for the touring party. A viral social media video showed opener Ben Duckett appearing disoriented and slurring his words during England's four-day trip to Noosa between the second and third Tests.
The clip emerged only hours after managing director Rob Key confirmed the ECB was investigating reports that the Noosa trip had resembled a ‘stag-do’. This incident has posed fresh, uncomfortable questions about a perceived drinking culture within the England dressing-room.
Stokes Calls for Empathy and Offers Unwavering Support
Captain Ben Stokes has thrown his full backing behind Duckett. Speaking on Christmas Eve, Stokes described his opener as “such an important player for this team” and called for public empathy.
“In this moment right now, a little bit of empathy from everyone would be not too hard to think about,” Stokes stated. He revealed he had personally reached out to Duckett after the video spread, offering his “complete support”.
Stokes emphasised his role in player welfare, saying, “I will always support my players, particularly in a moment like this where everything feels like it’s on top of you... Supporting them and letting them know that I will be there for them through thick and thin is very, very important, and Ben Duckett knows that.”
While Stokes declined to comment directly on the wisdom of the Noosa trip, his focus remained firmly on supporting his squad for the final two Tests.
Meanwhile, Australia also trained hard at the MCG. Scott Boland bowled in the nets, and stand-in captain Steve Smith inspected the wicket, as the hosts aim to secure a comprehensive series victory.
