‘Reached out to him’ – Travis Head stands by Ben Duckett after viral Noosa video

Travis Head and Ben Duckett. (Photo source: Getty Images)

Star Australian opener Travis Head has come out in support of England batter Ben Duckett after the latter was involved in a controversy following a viral video from England’s team break in Noosa. The footage, which showed Duckett allegedly intoxicated, triggered backlash from fans and led the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to initiate an internal review. Head’s comments came following Australia’s Boxing Day Test loss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The incident took place during England’s mid-series break in Noosa, Queensland, which was planned after the pink-ball Test at Brisbane. The visitors were already 2-0 down in the Ashes when players took time off ahead of the Adelaide Test.

Everyone is still human: Travis Head

While the trip itself was pre-approved, videos circulating on social media after England’s loss in Adelaide showed Duckett and all-rounder Jacob Bethell in a party mood, triggering criticism from supporters back home. Duckett came under intense scrutiny due to his poor returns in the series. Head, who shares a long-standing rapport with Duckett dating back to their Under-19 World Cup days in 2012, said he personally reached out to the England opener to check on his well-being.

“I get along with Ducky well. I reached out to him to see if he was going alright. Everyone is still human. What you do in personal time is up to you. I know we live a high-profile life and some people are more high-profile…but at the end of the day, it was a bit unfair,” Head told Sky News.

The Australian batter defended players’ right to personal space, especially during long and mentally draining Test tours, and stated that the reaction to the video was disproportionate.

“Everyone made a lot more out of it than there should have been. We have done the same thing on past tours. I don’t have an issue with it. When there is big gaps in Tests people have to find something to talk about. Hopefully, we can play a bit longer next week, and there is less stuff to talk about,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, ECB managing director Rob Key confirmed that the board would examine the matter. Key stated that excessive drinking would be unacceptable for an international team, but added that early reports suggested the players were very well behaved, with nothing beyond a meal and the odd drink. He emphasised that a drinking culture does not benefit elite athletes, but clarified that a short mental reset away from cricket was not an issue unless boundaries were crossed.

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