England team director Rob Key announced they will probe media reports of players drinking heavily during a break between the second and third Ashes Tests.
Australia sealed an 82-run victory in Adelaide on Sunday, clinching a 3-0 series lead and retaining the urn after prior wins in Perth and Brisbane. During downtime in Noosa, British and Australian outlets reported non-stop drinking.
“Headlines like ‘stag do’ can mislead, but six days of solid drinking is unacceptable,” Key told BBC on Tuesday. “We’ll verify facts versus embellishments—like photos of a few guys at lunch with drinks. If it turned into constant excessive boozing, that’s not on. I don’t support a drinking culture.”
Key had warned the squad pre-series against “stupid things.” The fourth Test starts Friday in Melbourne.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald expects his celebratory team to be sharp. “They’re adults—no instructions needed. They’ll be ready by Boxing Day. Maybe a hangover yesterday, unsure today,” he said.
