Stokes defends teammates as England pressure mounts

[ad_1] An emotional Ben Stokes has defended the England crew after a social media video mentioned to characteristic Ben Duckett was the newest disaster to hit their disastrous Ashes tour.

The captain mentioned the psychological well being of the English gamers was his high precedence.

Stokes added he knew how they'd be feeling, given the media storm he weathered practically a decade in the past when he was discovered not responsible of affray following a 2017 battle close to a Bristol nightclub.

The video, which the ECB is investigating, was circulated on Tuesday evening — hours after England cricket boss Rob Key mentioned they'd look into claims of extreme ingesting throughout their mid-tour break in Noosa.

England are 3-0 down heading into the Boxing Day Take a look at on the MCG, their Ashes hopes dashed.

English cricket investigating Duckett social media video A video mentioned to characteristic Ben Duckett is beneath ECB investigation in one other downside for England's disastrous Ashes tour.

Stokes mentioned they nonetheless had loads to play for and have been decided to win the final two Checks, however his fast precedence on Wednesday was taking care of his teammates' welfare.

"How I deal with this second proper now could be an important factor to me," Stokes mentioned at his pre-game media convention.

"The welfare of everybody in there, and possibly some sure people, is an important factor to me proper now as England captain.

"This type of stuff could be very — I do not know if 'near me' is the suitable wording — however one thing I've first-hand expertise of the way it can have an effect on individuals.

"My function as England captain is to guard my gamers as a lot as I presumably can."

After talking basically phrases for a number of minutes in regards to the present points, Stokes was requested whether or not he thought that they had performed something unsuitable in Noosa.

"I've simply answered the whole lot there," he mentioned.

England skilled on the MCG on Wednesday afternoon and have been to announce their crew afterwards, with hypothesis there might be at the least a few adjustments.

"We've got a aim nonetheless to attempt to obtain out right here on this journey. It is not gone wherever close to to plan, in any way," Stokes mentioned.

"Proper right here, proper now, that's my major job as England captain — to make sure that they know they've my backing.

"It is by no means a pleasant place to be in when not solely the media world, but in addition the social media world, is simply piling on high of you.

"I am the captain of the aspect and I am very, very decided to exit win the remaining two video games and ensuring our focus is extra in direction of that than among the different stuff that is happening proper now."

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Requested if the gamers might be prepared on Thursday, Stokes replied: "That is the place the sure talent of management involves be most essential."

"We have to be sure that we come collectively and ensure the main target continues to be closely on the cricket. We nonetheless have a helluva lot to play for," he mentioned.

"I am very decided to depart Australia with one thing optimistic to look again on."

Stokes was requested if the fixed criticism of England's efficiency is justified.

"If you're 3-0 down and you have misplaced the collection the whole lot you say, the whole lot you do will get scrutinised … and rightly so," he mentioned.