A dismal Ashes tour gets worse for England
The England and Wales cricket board (ECB) have launched an investigation after police were called to England’s team hotel in Hobart to break up an early morning drinking session between players and staff.
A video, which was reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, shows both England and Australian players being asked to stop drinking and go to bed at around 6am – the morning after the Ashes ended in dismal fashion for the Three Lions.
England captain Joe Root and fast bowler Jimmy Anderson, as well as Australian players Nathan Lyon, Travis Head and Alex Carey, were all present, with the Australians still in their whites.
The video appears to have been filmed by England assistant Graham Thorpe, who can be heard speaking but is not seen.
“We’ve got Nathan Lyon, Root, there’s Carey and Anderson,” Thorpe said. “I’ll just video this for the lawyers. See you in the morning everyone.”
A police office then responds, saying: “You’re too loud and have obviously been asked to pack up. We have been asked to come. It’s time for bed.”
The first and last time #Hobart will host an #Ashes test… ‘Bit too loud’ .. Awesome pic.twitter.com/zdZ4dmcsf6
— Matt de Groot (@mattdegroot_) January 18, 2022
In a statement an ECB spokesperson said: “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.”
While it is not uncommon for players to enjoy a drink together at the end of an Ashes series, there is some concern as to why the police were needed to break it up – with the video ending up on social media less than 48 hours later.
Managing director of men’s cricket Ashley Giles, head coach Chris Silverwood and captain Joe Root are all under immense pressure after a humiliating tour, with England somehow escaping a 5-0 whitewash with the draw in Sydney.
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison – who is already back in the UK – is expected to ask for an explanation around the incident after the video quickly went viral.
Related links:
- England cricketer accused coaching staff of fat-shaming as shambolic Ashes tour prep laid bare
- Jos Buttler stands on own stumps as England lose against Australia in second test
- England collapse to hand Australia comfortable win in first Ashes Test
