Stokes Calls for Empathy for England Players and Pledges Support for Duckett
England captain Ben Stokes has described this period as the toughest time of his captaincy and urged the public and media to show empathy toward the players. England are currently trailing 3-0 in the Ashes series and are preparing for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Jofra Archer is out of the tour with a side strain and will fly home, facing a race to be fit for the February T20 World Cup in India. Ollie Pope has been dropped, with Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson recalled to the squad. Ben Duckett remains in the XI.
Video footage allegedly showing Ben Duckett drunk during a Noosa break has circulated, with reports indicating the downtime lasted four nights and has led to heightened scrutiny. An internal review into the Noosa episode is underway, though Stokes declined to comment on the details.
Stokes emphasized that player welfare is the priority and drew on his own experience with media pressure to call for empathy. He highlighted Bethell's inclusion as a way to freshen the top order and described Duckett as an influential figure in the team who has ongoing support from himself and his teammates. Stokes affirmed his commitment to the challenge and will not walk away.
