England team director Rob Key has said the management will investigate claims that players drank excessively during a break between the second and third Ashes Tests earlier this month.

Australia secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series after an 82-run victory on the fifth day of the third Test in Adelaide on Sunday, retaining the Ashes urn.

After heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane, the England squad spent time off in Noosa. British and Australian media reports claimed players drank regularly during the break. The Daily Telegraph reported that while not all players were involved, some were drinking for “five or six days,” though nothing described as outrageous occurred.

Speaking to English media in Melbourne ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Key said the reports would be taken seriously.

“If people are saying our players drank excessively, then of course we’ll look into it,” he said. “Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is not something I’d expect from an international cricket team at any stage.”

Key, who did not travel to Noosa, added that failing to review the situation would be a mistake, although early feedback suggested the players were “very well behaved.”

He said he had no issue with players having a drink occasionally, but stressed there was a clear line. “If it turns into heavy drinking or a stag-do type trip, that’s completely unacceptable,” he said, adding that the purpose of the break should have been rest and mental recovery.

Key also revealed he had previously looked into reports of England players drinking the night before a limited-overs match in New Zealand prior to the Ashes tour. While no formal action was taken, informal warnings were issued.

Despite England losing the Ashes inside just 11 playing days — one of the fastest defeats in over a century — Key backed head coach Brendon McCullum. However, the futures of both men remain under review by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Reflecting on recent disappointments, including a drawn home Ashes series and a home series against India, Key admitted England had failed on major occasions. “The big ones have eluded us,” he said. “We have to evolve and do things better.”

Meanwhile, Australia coach Andrew McDonald said he had no concerns about his team’s readiness after celebrating their series-clinching win.

“They’re all adults,” he said. “They know how to prepare for a Test match. I don’t expect any hangover come Boxing Day.”