Ollie Pope insisted unflinching media scrutiny in Australia would not drive England’s Ashes squad behind closed doors, after some players were pictured riding e-scooters without helmets.
Photographers have been trailing their every move since they lost the opening Test in Perth, with paparazzi stationed outside hotels and airports and a drone deployed to monitor one group while they played golf on a day off.
The intrigue has followed them to Brisbane, where captain Ben Stokes, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and injured bowler Mark Wood were snapped riding electric two-wheelers in the city without the mandatory safety helmets.
Queensland laws allow for a fine of 166 dollars (around £82) for anyone found doing so, though it remains a common sight.
Above all it is a reminder that they are under the microscope like never before but Pope, who was one of those most keenly affected by the detrimental effects of lockdown cricket during the coronavirus pandemic, says they must not batten down the hatches.
Asked for his thoughts on the latest batch of headlines, Pope responded: “Just put a helmet on next time, I guess. Rules are rules.
“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.
“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.”
