England, led by Ben Stokes, has come under scrutiny after reports of excessive drinking during a break in the Ashes 2025-26 series against Australia. The England and Wales Cricket Board has launched an inquiry into the behaviour of the team during their four-day stay in Noosa between the second and third Tests.
Following their heavy defeat in the second Test at the Gabba, the England team travelled to the Queensland resort town of Noosa for a four-night mid-series break. England head coach Brendon McCullum had stated that the break would help the players refresh mentally and physically ahead of the third Test.
However, the trip drew criticism from Australian commentators, and concerns later emerged over reports of excessive drinking. England returned from the break to play the Adelaide Test but lost again, handing Australia the Ashes inside just 11 days of play.
Not Something That I’d Expect to See – England boss Rob Key
Rob Key said that the ECB will review reports of excessive drinking by England players during their mid-series break. Key, who did not travel to Noosa with the team, stated that heavy drinking is unacceptable for an international side.
“If there’s things where people are saying that our players went out and drank excessively then of course we’ll be looking into that,” Key said.
“Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for an international cricket team is not something that I’d expect to see at any stage, and it would be a fault not to look into what happened there. But from everything that I’ve heard so far, they were very well behaved,” he added.
I Have No Issue With the Noosa Trip If It Was… – Rob Key
Rob Key stated that he has no problem with the Noosa trip. He revealed that he has heard the players kept things low-key, sharing meals and having the occasional drink without late nights. However, Key added it would be a serious concern if it went beyond limits.
“I’ve read what’s been written in the last day or so, and if it goes into where they’re drinking lots and it’s a stag do, all that type of stuff, that’s completely unacceptable. I’m not a drinker. I think a drinking culture doesn’t help anyone in any stretch whatsoever,” Key added.
“I have no issue with the Noosa trip if it was to get away and just throw your phone away, down tools, go on the beach… Everything that I’ve heard so far is that they sat down, had lunch, had dinner, didn’t go out late, had the odd drink. I don’t mind that. If it goes past that, then that’s an issue as far as I’m concerned… There’s lots of people there that might disagree with that, but that’s what we’ll find out.”
Don’t Mind Players Having a Glass Of Wine – Rob Key
Key revealed that England’s team management had already spoken to players about off-field behaviour before the Ashes began. Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook were informally warned after they were seen drinking at a bar on the eve of an ODI in New Zealand.
Key stated that the episode acted as a wake-up call rather than a disciplinary issue. The former cricketer added he has no problem with players having a drink with dinner, but anything beyond that was unnecessary.
“I don’t mind players having a glass of wine over dinner. Anything more than that I think is ridiculous, really,” Key said. “There wasn’t any formal action… I didn’t feel like that was worthy of formal warnings, but it was probably worthy of informal ones.”
