Key Highlights
- In an effort to reduce distractions and regain focus before the T20 World Cup, one explicit rule will be to return to the team hotel by 12 am unless previous permission has been given. The crackdown comes after a tumultuous tour, with numerous complaints of heavy drinking during England's 4-1 Ashes loss and the 3-0 ODI whitewash in New Zealand.
- Particular attention was paid to a six-day mid-series Ashes break in Noosa after some observers likened it to a stag-do atmosphere.
- Footage later surfaced of Ben Duckett appearing heavily intoxicated late at night, adding to concerns over discipline. Due to claims of excessive alcohol consumption and the fact that players were housed in a hotel complex with a casino, England's stay in Perth also garnered notice.
- Although none of the incidents led to immediate penalties at the time, they added to the perception that boundaries had become hazy throughout the lengthy tour. Just hours before the final ODI against the Black Caps, Harry Brook got into a fight with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington and was fined the maximum £30,000 (Rs 36.42 lakhs), raising more concerns in New Zealand.
- According to reports, the incident put Brook in danger of losing the white-ball captaincy and marked a shift in internal conversations over player conduct. There is flexibility built in for official engagements or pre-approved commitments, and the curfew is viewed as a preventative measure rather than a general punishment.
