Following a calamitous performance on the pitch, it appears the England Test cricket team also have problems off it following the development of a ‘booze culture’ between players and coaches, according to the Mail Online.
England endured a disastrous two months in Australia, after being completely blown away 4-0 by their old-rivals on away soil for the second time in as many trips.
However, the problems do not stop there for the England and Wales Cricket Board, after the Mail Online revealed the drinking culture off the field has plagued its way back into the team during the disastrous series.
This comes after captain Joe Root, bowler James Anderson and coach Graham Thorpe were seen drinking with Aussie pair Nathan Lyon and Alex Carey until 6am, before being dispersed by police.
According to the Mail’s report, ‘bubble life’ within the team’s hotel meant more restrictions on the movement of tourists, which made alcohol ‘more readily available' to the national team.
Additionally, the claustrophobic bubble conditions of living through the COVID-19 pandemic led to ‘allowances’ being made for the travelling team.
Following the disaster down under managing director Ashley Giles is said to be preparing an end tour report, which could have implications on head coach Chris Silverwood’s job.
Silverwood has been heavily scrutinised following England’s showing across the series, and with off-field issues now emerging his future seemingly now lies even more in the balance.
Do you think Chris Silverwood should stay on as head coach? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Post-match drinking following a series is a regular occurrence within the England camp, however a police presence at 6am will no doubt lead to many more questions being asked
Video footage released in the early hours of Tuesday morning showed police officers approach the table of the Ashes stars, before one officer says: “You're too loud and have obviously been asked to pack up.
“We have been asked to come. It's time for bed.”
The voice of England assistant coach Thorpe can then be heard saying: “We’ve got Nathan Lyon, Root, there's Carey and Anderson.
“I'll just video this for the lawyers. See you in the morning everyone.”
Following the emergence of the footage an ECB spokesperson has commented: “During the early hours of Monday morning, members of the England and Australia men's teams shared a drink in the team areas of the hotel in Hobart.
“The hotel management received a noise complaint by a hotel guest, and as is commonplace in Australia, the local police attended the scene.
“When asked to leave by hotel management and the Tasmanian police, the players and management in question left and returned to their respective hotel rooms.
“The England party have apologised for any inconvenience caused.
“The ECB will investigate further. Until such times, we will make no further comment.”
