England were already in the firing line of heavy criticism after their hopes of reclaiming the Ashes were dashed last week in Adelaide. On Tuesday, things got uglier for the Three Lions with claims of excessive drinking on their trip to Noosa.

On Wednesday, England captain Ben Stokes was asked on several occasions about the England and Cricket Board’s (ECB) investigation into allegations surrounding the drinking habits of the team.

The ECB is also looking into an unverified video that appears to show a drunk opener Ben Duckett struggling to find his way back to the team hotel, with a reference in the video of England being down 2-0 in the series, suggesting it may have been filmed before the Adelaide Test.

While the legendary Stokes didn't name anyone in particular, he said his primary concern was the welfare of his players.

“How I handle this moment right now is the most important thing to me. The welfare of everyone in there and probably some certain individuals as well is the most important thing to me right now as England captain,” he told reporters at a press conference before the Boxing Day Test.

“This kind of stuff is very, I don’t know if close to me is the right wording, but something that I have first hand experience of how it can affect people.

And as I said, my role as England captain is to protect my players as much as I possibly can," he added.

It’s not gone anywhere near to plan whatsoever: Stokes

The veteran all-rounder mentioned that England is trying to focus on winning the last two games in the series to salvage some pride. He said he understands the pressure that such allegations can put on his players and reiterated that he will continue to protect them as their captain.

“We have a goal still to try and achieve out here on this trip. It’s not gone anywhere near to plan whatsoever. We’ve still got two games of cricket to play. We’ve still got a lot of efforts and energies to put in in the remaining of this tour. Looking after my players is one of the main things that I need to get out of this because we need to go out there and win two games of cricket. I know how this kind of stuff can affect people and as I said, I will always protect my players as much as I possibly can," Stokes said.

“Right here right now, that is my main job as England captain is to ensure that they know that they have my backing because the most important thing to me, sitting here right now, is a group of players who I can get into a best possible state to go out there and try and perform for this country and the remaining of this trip," he added.

England have already lost the Ashes 0-3 and will now look to give their fans something to cheer about in the last two games.

The excessive drinking allegations must have taken a toll on their mental health but as professional players, they will have to shut out the outside noise as much as they can and focus on the task at hand.