Ollie Pope reassured that the intense media attention in Australia would not force England’s Ashes team to seclude themselves, following sightings of some players riding e-scooters without helmets. Media scrutiny has been relentless since their defeat in the first Test in Perth, with photographers tracking their movements, paparazzi stationed outside their accommodations and airports, and even a drone monitoring them while playing golf on a day off.
The focus shifted to Brisbane, where Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, and Mark Wood were photographed riding electric scooters without helmets, which could result in a fine of $166 (around £82) under Queensland laws. Despite being under constant observation, Pope emphasized the importance of not isolating themselves. He highlighted the need for balance during a long tour and the significance of unwinding and being authentic.
In response to the recent headlines, Pope suggested simply wearing helmets next time to abide by the rules. He acknowledged the scrutiny they faced after the Test and stressed the importance of finding ways to relax and take breaks from cricket, especially after a disappointing loss. Pope emphasized the unhealthy nature of isolating oneself, drawing parallels to the challenges faced during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The Ashes series is set to commence on November 21, with all the matches between England and Australia broadcast live on TNT Sports. Viewers can catch the action on discovery+ or Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel. For the latest updates on cricket news, fans can subscribe to the Mirror Cricket emails.