![\"Stuart](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES-78_1768400992106_1768401056419.jpg\" "\\"Stuart")
Stuart Broad talks with England’s Joe Root during the presentation ceremony at the end of the fifth Ashes Test. (AFP)<\/p>\nStuart Broad has defended England\u2019s players against accusation of a \u201cdrinking culture\u201d after their 1-4 Ashes defeat in Australia, insisting the squad \u201cdo not have a drinking problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stuart Broad talks with England’s Joe Root during the presentation ceremony at the end of the fifth Ashes Test. (AFP)<\/p>\n
With scrutiny rising in recent weeks over off-field behaviour, the former fast bowler said the issue was about preventing teammates from drifting into risky situations, not imposing blanket restrictions.<\/p>\n
England\u2019s loss to Australia was accompanied by images and reports of players drinking during a break in Noosa, fuelling criticism that the group\u2019s standards had slipped. The debate intensified after reports that white-ball captain Harry Brook was fined \u00a3 30,000 for an altercation with a bar bouncer on England\u2019s New Zealand tour before the Ashes, though he kept the captaincy.<\/p>\n
Speaking on his For the Love of Cricket podcast, Broad argues that strong team culture is measured by how well players look after each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve just had a couple of guys who have made mistakes and that\u2019s got into the media. I think it\u2019s up to your teammates to get you out of those situations, and that\u2019s when your culture\u2019s really strong. Ben Duckett isn\u2019t left alone, no idea where his hotel is. Harry Brook<\/a> doesn\u2019t get himself in a situation with a bouncer, because they\u2019re not allowed anywhere near the situation. So I think that\u2019s the thing that will disappoint Brendon McCullum,\u201d Broad said.<\/p>\n