Brisbane, Australia – England's cricket team has found itself in hot water ahead of the second Ashes Test, with Queensland's Minister for Sport, Tim Mander, blasting Ben Stokes and some of his teammates for riding electric scooters without helmets. The incident, which occurred in Brisbane, has drawn considerable criticism, with Mander labeling the players "silly Pommy cricketers" for flouting local laws.
Reports indicate that Ben Stokes, the England captain, along with pace bowler Mark Wood, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, were spotted riding e-scooters around Brisbane without the required safety gear. Queensland law mandates that all e-scooter riders must wear a helmet, a regulation that is widely publicized and reinforced through signage and instructions from scooter rental companies. Many Lime scooters even come equipped with helmets attached for customer use.
Images circulating on social media showed Smith, 25, riding with the helmet still hanging unused on the front of the scooter. Failure to comply with the helmet regulation can result in fines of up to AUD 166 (approximately £82). However, Queensland Police have confirmed that they will not be taking formal action against the players, stating that officers had spoken with them and "educated them on compliance requirements" for using electric scooters.
Despite the lack of formal punishment, Minister Mander seized upon the incident to criticize the tourists and promote a road safety message. "What the Pommy cricketers did was very irresponsible, but it has helped us with a new road safety campaign," he stated. "Don't be silly like the Pommy cricketers, wear your helmet".
Ollie Pope, England's No. 3, addressed the controversy, emphasizing the importance of players decompressing during a long overseas tour. He conceded that his teammates should have followed the rules. "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 so be it but it is important to have balance on a long tour like this". He also noted the intense media scrutiny the team is under, with photographers stationed outside hotels and airports, and even drones monitoring their activities.
The incident comes as England prepares for the second Ashes Test, seeking to recover from their loss in the first Test in Perth. Mark Wood has been ruled out of the Test due to a knee injury.
