Stokes has spoken to Ben Duckett, who will play at the MCG, after footage emerged on social media appearing to show the opener intoxicated

There has been a cult of personality around the England captain for years. When cults of personality collapse, they do so suddenly and in the most undignified manner.

Ben Stokes closed ranks around his squad as England's Ashes turmoil deepened in Australia. With scrutiny intensifying off the field, the captain prioritised player welfare while chasing pride in the final Tests.

England captain Ben Stokes has rallied around his struggling team and offered his backing to embattled opener Ben Duckett. The visitors have already conceded the Ashes after slipping to a 3-0 deficit, with their preparations for the Boxing Day Test overshadowed by allegations of heavy drinking during their mid-series break in Noosa.

England captain Ben Stokes has quickly shut down a suggestion his players could use the final two Ashes Tests to preserve their individual careers.

England captain Ben Stokes has leapt to the defence of his teammates after their disastrous Ashes tour hit a new low. Officials were already investigating claims of excessive drinking on the Noosa trip between the second and third Test before a video of Ben Duckett appearing to be drunk went viral on social media.

Ben Stokes speaks to Jonathan Agnew about the reports of the squad’s conduct in Noosa.

Australia eventually overcame England's resistance to win the third Test by 82 runs and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series

Ben Stokes insists England have responded positively to seeing their hopes of winning the Ashes ended inside three Tests, ahead of the fourth match in Melbourne. England's chances of capturing the urn for the first time since 2015 are already in tatters, after Australia took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series within just 11 days of play.

On the eve of the Boxing Day Test between Australia-England, Steve Smith dropped a massive hint on what would be their playing XI at MCG.