Melbourne, Dec 23 (NationPress) The managing director of the England cricket team, Rob Key, has defended the team's four-day excursion to Noosa, which occurred between the second and third Ashes Tests. He confirmed that the board is currently probing allegations suggesting that this trip devolved into a beer-fueled stag do.

Off the pitch, England's mid-series visit to Noosa, an affluent coastal destination in Queensland, has drawn scrutiny. The squad spent four nights there following their significant loss at the Gabba, referring to it as an opportunity for a reset rather than a leisurely getaway. Head coach Brendon McCullum, who arranged the trip, described the experience as “excellent” and believed it would rejuvenate the team before the third Test.

Although Key did not accompany the team to Noosa and initially expressed no concerns regarding the players' behavior, reports emerged after the loss in Adelaide comparing the trip to a stag party. He stated that he would investigate these claims to determine if any actions were warranted.

“If there are reports suggesting that our players engaged in excessive drinking, we will certainly look into that. I would not expect to see excessive alcohol consumption from an international cricket team, and it would be a mistake not to examine what transpired. However, from what I've heard, they behaved very well,” Key informed reporters at the MCG on Tuesday.

“I’ve seen the recent reports, and if it turns out they were drinking excessively and it resembled a stag do, that is completely unacceptable. I do not condone a drinking culture as it benefits no one,” he added.

“I have no problem with the Noosa trip if the intention was to disconnect and relax on the beach. Everything I’ve heard suggests they had meals together and did not stay out late, enjoying a few drinks. I’m fine with that. If it escalated beyond that, then that would be a concern,” Key concluded.

This tour, once considered potentially transformative for English cricket, has instead led to further contemplation after consecutive losses in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. With the Ashes already secured by the opposition, England's immediate aim is to limit the damage, starting with the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.