Vice-captain Ollie Pope has attempted to defuse the situation by reminding players to abide by local regulations and stressing the value of taking personal time off during a lengthy tour, even if the event has garnered publicity and resulted in additional criticism of the visiting squad. A few of England players were seen riding e-scooters in Brisbane without helmets before to the second Ashes 2025–26 Test at the Gabba, which is against Queensland road safety regulations.
After losing the first Test in Perth in just two days, England’s tour to Australia got off to a bad start. The squad’s arrival at the airport, golf outings, and aquarium visits have all been extensively monitored by the media, which has only intensified since they arrived in the nation. After their crushing loss, former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson even called the team haughty.
In the meantime, injured speedster Mark Wood, captain Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith were all riding e-scooters without helmets. It is noteworthy that the Queensland law requires the use of certified helmets when using mobility devices, and noncompliance can result in a fine of AD 166, or about 82 pounds. In Australian media, pictures of the players without head protection soon went viral.
Pope talked about the event with reporters.
“Next time, just wear a helmet. Regulations are regulations. As cricket players and individuals, it’s critical to strive to de-stress and be authentic. As demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, locking your doors and staying inside your room is unhealthy. What you do in your spare time is crucial, even if it’s simply to divert your attention from cricket for a day or two. It’s okay if they want to catch us doing it. “Having that balance is crucial on a lengthy tour like this,” batter Pope stated.
The playing XI for the second Test is announced by England.
The English batsman emphasised that during a lengthy and mentally taxing Ashes trip, players must have the opportunity to unwind. He remarked on how detrimental it may be for players to isolate themselves, recalling his prior journey to Australia in 2019–20 while under to stringent COVID-19 limitations.
After losing in Perth, England is trying to get back on track on the pitch in order to tie the five-match series. Australia has won 13 of their 14 pink-ball Tests, with their lone defeat occurring at this very location in 2024, thus they will have an advantage in the second Test, which will take place on a day.
One alteration has been made to the tourists’ starting lineup. Mark Wood, who has been sidelined due to injury, is replaced by all-rounder Will Jacks. Jacks’ all-around skill set and batting depth give him the nod over Shoaib Bashir. Jacks last played a Test in 2022 and took a six-fer on his debut in Rawalpindi.
England’s starting lineup is Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Zak Crawley, and Ben Duckett.
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