Overview:
Travis Head revealed that he contacted Ben Duckett after a video circulated on social media ahead of the Melbourne Test that seemed to show Duckett under the influence.
Australia batter Travis Head has brushed aside the discussion surrounding England’s mid-series trip to Noosa during The Ashes, where a handful of players were spotted relaxing. Head said the episode had been overstated and quipped that he was “jealous” of England’s short breather amid a demanding Ashes campaign. Speaking after Australia’s loss in the fourth Test, he added that brief breaks are not unusual on long and tough tours.
“I’ll admit I was a bit jealous. I think the situation has been blown up far more than it needed to be. We’ve done similar things on tours in the past, so it didn’t bother me. What players choose to do in their own time is their business. We all live under the spotlight to varying degrees and sometimes that puts people in tricky positions, but in the end, it all feels a bit harsh,” Travis Head said.
Travis Head revealed that he contacted Ben Duckett after a video circulated on social media ahead of the Melbourne Test that seemed to show Duckett under the influence.
England’s managing director Rob Key said the board ordered a probe after reports of players drinking during a break in Noosa between the second and third Tests. Attention grew further after a social media clip involving opener Ben Duckett went viral, increasing focus on both the team and the incident.
“I’m on good terms with Ducky, so I checked in with him to make sure he was okay. At the end of the day, we’re all human. What players choose to do in their own time is their call. We live in the public eye, and some attract more attention than others. It might feel a bit harsh, but I don’t see it as a major problem,” Travis Head said.