England cricket star Ollie Pope has spoken out after several players were pictured breaking the law in Australia.
In the coming days, England will face off against historic rivals Australia in the second test of the The Ashes cricket series.
The first test, played over the weekend of the 21-22 November, saw Australia take the win by eight wickets at the Optus Stadium in Burswood.
Since the loss, media have been eagerly following the England team with the close to 24/7 surveillance capturing England captain Ben Stokes and several other players breaking the law.
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And now, Pope has spoken out to address the controversy, sending a message directly to his England teammates.
As England prepare for the second test, paparazzi are sitting outside their hotels and airports with a drone even following some of the players while they enjoyed a round of golf.
This led to captain Stokes, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and injured bowler Mark Wood being caught riding electric scooters without wearing helmets around Brisbane ahead of the match in The Gabba.
Queensland laws allow for a fine of 166 Australian dollars (around £82) for anyone found doing this, despite the fact it is said to be a common occurrence.
And when asked to comment on the Pope remained adamant that the media should consider that the players need to enjoy their lives outside of cricket, while admitting that his teammates should have just followed the rules to avoid breaking the law.
“Just put a helmet on next time, I guess. Rules are rules," Pope said.
“I mean if they want to catch us doing that then then so be it but it is important to have balance on a long tour like this.
“In the days after the Test you’re very aware of (the attention). It was everywhere you went, when the guys were trying to unwind and for us as cricketers and as people I think it’s important to try and be able to switch off and be yourself.
He added: “Losing a game like we did, everyone’s gutted, but locking your doors and not coming out of your room is the unhealthy thing to do, as we saw in Covid times.
"Whatever you’re doing in your off time, whether it’s just taking your mind away from cricket for a day or two, I think that’s really important.”
SPORTbible have reached out to England and Wales Cricket Board for comment.
Topics: Ben Stokes, Australia, Cricket
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