The Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes says this is toughest time as England captain amid drinking reports
write in his language telegram column, externalFormer England captain Michael Vaughan said: “There’s no way in a million years we’re going to bury lads who are having some fun between Test matches.”
“When I played for England I did the same as them,” Vaughan said. “At least I knew it was time to come home, and Ben Duckett probably needs to know that too.
“But basically let’s judge Duckett on the cricket field, let’s judge director of cricket Rob Key by the decisions he makes and let’s judge Brendon McCullum by the coaching he gives. Let’s judge Ben Stokes by his captaincy in the series and let’s judge the players by their runs at the end of the series.”
Vaughan said he did not think Duckett should be reprimanded based on the evidence he had seen, adding: “This is a wider problem; the game of cricket has created this drinking culture.”
Stokes, who takes over as captain in 2022, pointed to his personal experiences of going through “pretty tough times”.
The 34-year-old missed the 2017-18 Ashes tour due to an incident outside a nightclub in Bristol. Stokes was charged and later cleared of the fight.
Stokes also took a five-month break from cricket in the summer of 2021 to prioritize his mental health.
The all-rounder later revealed that he had a panic attack and feared he would never be able to play again. Their struggles were laid bare in a documentary released in August 2022.
“I’ve had some pretty good times throughout my career. I’ve also had some pretty tough times,” he said.
“Of course I’m aware of the reports and news going around. “For me, as the England captain, my main concern is the players and everyone in the dressing room.
“I know what it feels like when everything piles up on you. It’s tough. As England captain my main job now is to make sure everyone is okay.”
While Duckett retained his place in the England squad for the fourth Test, Stokes said he had spoken out in 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 in terms of the Ashes results and the behavior of the English players in Australia.
Following England’s third Test defeat in Adelaide, which sealed their fourth consecutive Ashes defeat in Australia, Stokes said he “absolutely” wanted to remain captain.
“Everything is easy when things go well,” Stokes said. “I think in these moments, more than ever, the responsibility falls on your shoulders.
“I will always do my best on the field. I will always do my best off the field. I will always, always protect my players, especially in moments like these.”
