Joey Root and James Anderson's drinking video goes viral, probe launched
The ECB has launched an investigation after police were called in to send players to bed after an early morning drinking session at the Team Hotel in Hobart, England.
According to details, in the mobile phone footage published by the Sydney Morning Herald, Joe Root and James Anderson are seen with three Australian players Nathan Lyon, Travis Head and Alex Carey who are still at their feet after the end of the fifth Test last night. Dressed in white.
The rally was taking place in a public area of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hobart, and lasted until 6 a.m. when police were called in after complaints of noise from fellow guests. All players immediately left the area.
A statement from the police said that "Tasmanian police arrived at the Crowne Plaza Hobart on Monday morning when drug addicts were reported in the area of a party." The police spoke to the guests after 6:00 a.m., and left the area when asked.
''No further action will be taken by the police.''
''Made by England's assistant coach Graham Thorpe, a female police officer can be heard from the group saying in a very loud voice that you have been clearly asked to pack up. So we said come on, it's time to go to bed, thank you,'' In the footage of the incident.
In his voiceover from behind the camera, Thorpe can be heard saying that we have Nathan Lyon, Root, Kerry and Anderson. I will make a video of him just for the lawyers. See you in the morning, everyone.The first and last time #Hobart will host an #Ashes test… ‘Bit too loud’ .. Awesome pic.twitter.com/zdZ4dmcsf6
— Matt de Groot (@mattdegroot_) January 18, 2022
An ECB spokesman said it would investigate the incident, focusing on how the footage made it public.
The incident is further embarrassing for England after their 4-0 Ashes defeat, amid reports that the drinking culture in the squad was a major factor in the disappointing performance of the players in five Test matches.