Travis Head’s remarks followed Australia’s Boxing Day Test defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.A star After England batsman Ben Duckett became himself in controversy due to a widely shared video from England’s team break in Noosa, Australian opener Travis Head publicly endorsed Duckett. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launched an internal investigation after fans reacted negatively to the video, which purportedly showed Duckett inebriated.
The event happened in Noosa, Queensland, during England’s mid-series break, which was scheduled following the pink-ball Test in Brisbane. When players took a break before the Adelaide Test, the visitors were already behind 2-0 in the Ashes.
Everybody remains human: Travis Head
Although the trip was pre-approved, videos of Duckett and all-rounder Jacob Bethell having a good time went viral on social media following England’s defeat in Adelaide, drawing condemnation from home supporters. Due to his subpar performance in the series, Duckett came under heavy criticism. Head, who has known Duckett since their days together at the Under-19 World Cup in 2012, claimed to have personally contacted the England opener to enquire on his health.
“Ducky and I get along great. I contacted him to enquire about his well-being. We are all still human. It is up to you what you do with your own time. Head told Sky News, “I know we lead a high-profile life and some people are more high-profile…but it was a little unfair at the end of the day.”
The Australian batter said that the response to the video was excessive and supported players’ right to privacy, particularly during lengthy and mentally taxing Test tours.
“It was far more profitable for everyone than it should have been. On previous tours, we have taken the same approach. It doesn’t bother me. People need to find something to talk about when there are significant gaps in the tests.
“Hopefully, we can play a little longer next week and there won’t be as much to discuss,” Travis Head said.
Rob Key, managing director of the ECB, meantime, affirmed that the board would look into the situation. Although excessive drinking would be inappropriate for an international squad, Key noted that preliminary reports indicated the players were well-behaved and only occasionally drank. He stressed that elite athletes do not benefit from a drinking culture, but he clarified that, unless boundaries were violated, a little mental reset away from cricket was not a problem.
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