Ollie Pope addressed the intense media attention in Australia and affirmed that it would not lead England’s Ashes squad to seclude themselves, following the emergence of photos showing some players riding e-scooters without helmets.
Since their loss in the first Test in Perth, photographers have been closely monitoring the team, with paparazzi stationed outside their accommodations and transport hubs, and even a drone used to observe them while they played golf on a day off. The scrutiny has continued in Brisbane, where Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, and Mark Wood were photographed riding electric scooters in the city without helmets, despite Queensland laws imposing a fine of $166 for such violations.
This increased scrutiny serves as a reminder that they are under heightened public scrutiny. Pope, who experienced the challenges of lockdown cricket during the pandemic, emphasized the importance of not isolating themselves from the outside world. In response to the latest headlines, Pope advised, “Just wear a helmet next time, rules are rules. If they catch us, so be it, but maintaining a balance during a long tour is crucial.”
Acknowledging the attention following their defeat, Pope emphasized the significance of allowing players to relax and unwind to maintain mental well-being. He highlighted the dangers of isolating oneself after a loss, drawing parallels to the negative effects seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pope stressed the importance of engaging in activities outside of cricket to refresh the mind and maintain a healthy perspective during the tour.
The Ashes series commences on November 21, with all the matches between England and Australia broadcast live on TNT Sports. Fans can catch the action on discovery+ or Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel. To stay updated on the latest cricket news, sign up for the Mirror Cricket newsletter.