Moeen worries over damage to the game
players at the highest level had a responsibility to behave better and that a “culture change” within the squad was needed, given the scrutiny they are under.
Moeen, right, was asked whether England were “out of control” on this tour and while he felt that label was “unfair”, he conceded there was a danger of the sport’s image being tarnished.
“It’s really important that we inspire the younger generation to take up the game. It could turn them away and that’s not what we want,” he said.
“Maybe the culture needs to change now with so much media and coverage of cricket. We want cricket to grow for kids and for families to come and watch, so we have to be on our best behaviour.”
Moeen’s words will resonate both in Perth and London, where the ECB were understood to be equally concerned about the errors of judgment off the field that have marred this Ashes tour.
The latest incident came in the early hours last Friday when Lions opener Duckett poured a pint of beer over the head of England’s most senior bowler in the Avenue bar here in Perth.
Few details emerged officially yesterday but it was confirmed Joe Root was not present, nor were Alastair Cook, Moeen, Ben Foakes or Jake Ball.
Head coach Trevor Bayliss and Lions boss Andy Flower were both furious and the former is understood to be deeply concerned that repeated messages are not getting through.
That is not least because director of cricket Andrew Strauss had addressed the entire touring party when he imposed the curfew in Adelaide, speaking at length about responsibilities.
His words went unheeded on the first night the curfew was relaxed in Perth. The immediate repercussions were that Duckett missed the Lions match that was drawn after Moeen and CA contrived a target of 294 in 37 overs and the hosts reached 269-8. Mark Wood took two wickets in CA’s first innings and bowled at a decent pace all day.
England will still name an unchanged side for the third Test – starting here on Thursday – but Wood is likely to stay close to the squad, the added benefit being that he is tee-total.