In a twist that has sparked dialog throughout the cricketing world, Alex Hartley, a former England cricketer and present broadcaster, has accused star participant Sophie Ecclestone and a number of other members of the England girls’s cricket crew of giving her the “chilly shoulder” submit the opening T20I of Girls’s Ashes 2025. This discord stems from Hartley’s outspoken critique of the crew’s health ranges in the course of the match, which has led to a notable rift inside the crew’s dynamics.
Alex Hartley accuses Sophie Ecclestone of refusing to present her interview
After England’s 57-run loss within the first T20I in Sydney, which confirmed that Australia have retained the Ashes, Hartley revealed that Sophie Ecclestone, England’s main spinner, had “refused” to do a TV interview along with her.
“Sophie Ecclestone refused to do a TV interview with me at the moment. I’ve been frolicked to dry by the England crew: none of them will speak to me on the boundary edge,” mentioned Hartley on BBC’s TMS podcast.
Hartley hyperlinks Ecclestone’s interview refusal to earlier health criticisms
This refusal by Ecclestone was interpreted by Hartley as a direct consequence of her earlier criticisms. She had beforehand made headlines by claiming {that a} handful of gamers within the England squad had been less than par by way of health.
Following England’s disappointing exit within the T20 World Cup and their subsequent loss within the Ashes collection, Hartley’s feedback had been seen as a direct critique of the crew’s efficiency and preparation. Her remarks had been particularly pointed in direction of the crew’s lack of ability to match Australia’s “athleticism,” which she believed was a big issue of their defeat.
“The explanation I mentioned that they weren’t as match as Australia is as a result of I would like them to compete with Australia, I would like them to be higher than Australia, and I would like them to win Ashes and World Cups. I’m giving my opinion, and I’ve been given the chilly shoulder from the England crew ever since. I’ve upset them, clearly. Jon Lewis has come out and mentioned there isn’t an issue with health in his squad, there isn’t an issue with health within the England surroundings. They clearly assume I’m utterly improper for my part – which is okay, completely fantastic. I’m entitled to my opinions, they usually’re entitled to theirs,” added Hartley.
Additionally WATCH: Sophie Ecclestone’s spellbinding supply castles Tahlia McGrath within the AUS vs ENG 1st T20I | Girls’s Ashes 2025
Hartley acknowledges assist from some gamers regardless of setbacks
Whereas Hartley expressed disappointment over her remedy, she emphasised that not all gamers have shunned her. She acknowledged that some people, each gamers and employees, have remained supportive and approachable.
“A few of the gamers have been completely excellent: I’ve spoken to them on the street, on the floor, wherever. However a number of people – coaches, gamers – they actually haven’t checked out me,” Hartley added additional.
Additionally READ: Twitter reactions: Beth Mooney sizzles as Australia thrash England in 1st T20I to retain Girls’s Ashes 2025
This text was first revealed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Occasions firm.