Writing in his column for the Telegraph, external, former England captain Michael Vaughan said “there is no way in a million years that we should be burying young people having a bit of fun in between Test matches”.
“I did exactly the same as them when I played for England,” said Vaughan. “Although I did at least know when it was time to go home and that is probably what Ben Duckett needs to learn.
“But fundamentally, let us judge Duckett on the cricket field, let us judge Rob Key, the director of cricket, on the decisions that he has made and let us judge Brendon McCullum on the coaching he has delivered. Let us judge Ben Stokes on his captaincy over the series, and the players in terms of their numbers when the series has finished.”
Vaughan added that he did not think Duckett should be reprimanded based on the evidence he has seen, adding “it is a wider issue – the game of cricket has created this drinking culture”.
Stokes, who took over as captain in 2022, pointed to his own personal experiences of “pretty tough times”.
The 34-year-old missed the 2017-18 Ashes tour following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub. Stokes was charged with and later cleared of affray.
Stokes also took a five-month break from cricket in the summer of 2021 to prioritise his mental wellbeing.
The all-rounder later revealed he suffered from panic attacks and feared he would not play again. His struggles were laid bare in a documentary released in August 2022.
“I’ve had some pretty good times over my career. I’ve also had some pretty tough times,” he said.
“I’m obviously aware of reports and stuff that’s circulating around. For me as England captain, my main concern is the players and everyone in the dressing room.
“I know what it can feel like when everything just piles on top of you. It’s hard. My main thing right now as England captain is making sure that everyone’s OK.”
Duckett has kept his place in England’s team for the fourth Test, with Stokes saying he has spoke to the opener to offer his full support.
Stokes described Duckett as an “incredibly influential person” within the group.
The futures of Stokes, Key and head coach Brendon McCullum will come under intense scrutiny both for the result of the Ashes and the behaviour of the England players in Australia.
Following defeat in the third Test in Adelaide, which sealed England’s fourth successive Ashes loss in Australia, Stokes said he “absolutely” wanted to remain skipper.
“Everything’s easy when it’s going well,” said Stokes. “It’s these moments where I guess the responsibility does fall on your shoulders a lot more than it ever has done.
“I will always do my best on the field. I’ll always do my best off the field. I will always, always protect my players, especially in moments like these.”