Ashes 2025–26: Stuart Broad Rejects Claims of Drinking Culture in England Camp

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has dismissed claims of a drinking culture in the England camp during the Ashes 2025–26, saying it was only isolated mistakes by individuals.

England’s Ashes 2025–26 ended in heavy criticism after the series finished inside 11 days. Losses in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide exposed poor preparation and execution. Attention later shifted to off-field conduct following a mid-series break in Noosa. Images of players drinking during the break led to public scrutiny.

The situation escalated when a video involving Ben Duckett circulated widely on social media. The footage showed the opener appearing dizzy while seeking help to return to his hotel.

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad responded by framing the issue as isolated lapses rather than a systemic problem. He stressed that only a few players made a mistake and gained unwanted attention. Broad then pointed to strong internal support systems that usually prevent such situations. He maintained that England does not have a drinking culture.

“They’ve just had a couple of guys who have made mistakes and that’s got into the media. I think it’s up to your team-mates to get you out of those situations, and that’s when your culture’s really strong. Ben Duckett isn’t left alone, no idea where his hotel is. Harry Brook doesn’t get himself in a situation with a bouncer, because they’re not allowed anywhere near that situation,” said Broad on the For the Love of Cricket Podcast.

“So I think that’s the thing that will disappoint [head coach] Brendon McCullum. I really didn’t like having a 12 o’clock curfew, because I just didn’t feel like you should need it. As long as you have people around you to get yourself home at a suitable hour, having the team-mates around you to go, your time’s up,” he continued.

“I look at this England team, they’re not drinking. I’ve seen loads of things about a drinking culture and we got that in 2021-22 when we left Australia. Crawley, Pope, and in recent times Stokes and Root – they’re not really drinkers, are they? They’re not party animals and going out tearing it to shreds. There isn’t a drinking culture. I’ll hang my hat on that, if I’m honest, knowing the boys as well as I do. But it is just making sure the boys don’t get in trouble when situations arise,” Broad added.

Back-to-Back Tours Leave Little Recovery Time for England

Stuart Broad further highlighted the mental strain caused by extended tours. He noted that English cricketers spend nearly six months annually in hotels. He also pointed to Australia’s relaxed environment during their Ashes win as an example of balance between performance and recovery.

“As an international player, you need some sort of release. If you don’t have that mental switch off – I know you [fellow podcast host Jos Buttler] say footballers don’t – but cricketers are away six months of the year in hotels, it drives you mad if you don’t do anything,” said Broad.

READ ALSO | Brendon McCullum Defends England’s Noosa Break After The Ashes Fallout

“We’ve seen Australia winning the Ashes, Travis Head’s had the time of his life, living the dream, doing interviews on the wines and all sorts. Twelve o’clock, you’re not really getting to that time that often, but if you win, you deserve to probably go and relax and enjoy yourself,” he added.

Notably, England’s congested international calendar has drawn attention following the Ashes 2025–26. The team began its white-ball tour of New Zealand in October before multi-format players moved directly into the Ashes, played from November 23 to January 7. England now travel to Sri Lanka on January 22 for One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals ahead of the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 8.