Former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior has urged for a “much bigger conversation” about the drinking culture in cricket following a turbulent Ashes tour in Australia.

England suffered a heavy 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia, and scrutiny has focused not only on their performances but also on the team’s off-field behaviour. Reports emerged in December of players allegedly drinking excessively during a mid-series trip to Noosa, prompting the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to confirm an investigation.

Harry Brook Apologises

The controversy escalated when England white-ball captain and Test vice-captain Harry Brook was involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer on the preceding New Zealand tour. The incident occurred the night before a one-day international in Wellington, which England lost. Brook later issued a public apology.

Prior, who played 79 Tests for England, explained on BBC Radio 5 Live that players sometimes use drinking as “escapism” to cope with the pressures of international cricket.

“There are a lot of challenges within cricket—vast time away from home, long periods alone in hotel rooms, and huge pressure. England’s drinking culture, or supposed drinking culture, is not why they lost the Ashes. But it’s worth examining more deeply,” Prior said.

Culture and Accountability

Prior criticised the timing of Brook’s outing, suggesting it would not be tolerated in other sports.

“If that was an England footballer, there would be hell to pay,” he said.

The ECB confirmed a review of the tour, including player conduct. Coach Brendon McCullum had removed a midnight curfew that was originally implemented after Jonny Bairstow’s bar incident during the 2017-18 Australia tour.

“It’s not just a Harry Brook thing; it’s a culture thing,” said Prior.
“What does it mean to play cricket for England? What are the expectations in that dressing room?”

Former Players and Perspectives

James Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, stressed that players must take responsibility. Speaking on the Tailenders podcast, he said:

“As long as he learns from it and it doesn’t happen again. These players have got to improve—you can’t keep making the same mistakes we’ve been seeing throughout the series.”

Australian legend Glenn McGrath highlighted how social media has changed pressures on players. He compared today’s environment to past generations, where team culture was managed primarily by captains and senior players.

“It was always an unwritten rule that up to midnight is your time and after midnight is the team’s time,” McGrath said.
“Culture itself was set by the captain and senior players. It’s a different world now.”

The ongoing discussion is likely to influence both team culture and leadership standards within English cricket, as the ECB seeks to balance player welfare with professionalism and accountability.