Vaughan defends English stars (Source: @SkySportsNews/x.com, @TheBarmyArmy/x.com)
The iconic Ashes is going on, and England is in massive trouble. Adding fuel to the fire, the ‘Noosa’ controversy erupted after questionable player behaviour sparked widespread outrage.
The entire cricket world put fingers on England’s behaviour as the ECB will investigate the claims against the English players. Stepping into the debate, former England captain Michael Vaughan offered his blunt take on the unfolding drama.
Vaughan avoids talking about England side’s off-field drama
The historic Ashes returned with the same old excitement, but England couldn’t have imagined how the series would turn into a forgettable memory for them. After a crushing opening defeat, their struggles only deepened, with the infamous Noosa break between the second and third Tests plunging them into even bigger trouble.
As England’s on-field struggles continued, their off-field behaviour sparked unwanted headlines, drawing criticism from around the world. But former England captain Michael Vaughan walked on a different path. Writing his column in The Telegraph, he defended players, insisting his critiques are reserved for their on-field errors.
“I am not going to criticise England for what they got up to in Noosa. I criticise what they do on the cricket field, the way they play, and the way they prepare to play cricket,” he said.
After alleged videos came out, English batter Ben Duckett found himself in massive trouble as his actions grabbed the attention. Taking a massive stand for the English side, Vaughan used his own example.
“I am not going to point the finger at a group of young people who have had a few beers on a couple of days off. I did exactly the same as them when I played for England, although I did at least know when it was time to go home, and that is probably what Ben Duckett needs to learn,” he added.
Vaughan defends Duckett, challenging the allegations
Amidst all the controversy, Ben Duckett’s behaviour in an alleged video sparked massive controversy. The footage, showing the England batter heavily drunk, slurring his words and seeking help from strangers, fueled intense debate and criticism. Amidst all the buzz, Vaughan backs Duckett, calling it a wider issue rather than a single player's fault.
“Duckett should not be reprimanded at all on the evidence we have seen, and neither should the other players, because it is a wider issue: the game of cricket has created this drinking culture,” he said.
“England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa all have the same culture. You give a group of young people three or four days off to relax, and they’re going to do something like this,” he added.
Before stepping into the ongoing Ashes, England may have never imagined an outing like this. After three straight defeats, they lost the series as Australia retained the iconic urn. With the Melbourne Test looming soon, Ben Stokes and Co. will eye a highly anticipated turnaround.
.jpg?type=mq "Ashes 4th Test, Preview")
