Stokes Defends Players Over Helmetless Scooter Ride, Urges Team to ‘Enjoy Themselves’
Captain Dismisses Media Scrutiny Ahead of Second Ashes Test in Brisbane
BRISBANE, Australia:England captain Ben Stokes on Tuesday defended his players following reports of an e-scooter ride that breached local road laws, urging his squad to prioritize enjoyment and mental well-being over concerns about media scrutiny during the ongoing Ashes tour.
The team arrived in Brisbane after an agonizing eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the series opener in Perth, which finished in under two days, leaving a large gap before the second Test starts on December 4. To overcome the pressure, Stokes, pacer Mark Wood, and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith explored the city using e-scooters.
The trio was photographed riding without protective headgear, a breach of Queensland’s Road Rules, which mandates helmets for e-scooter riders and carries a potential fine of up to AU$166. Smith’s scooter notably had a helmet attached but unused.
Despite the risk of police action, Stokes instructed his players to continue freeing their minds, emphasizing that media scrutiny should not influence their decisions.
“Australia is the best country to tour away from cricket,” Stokes told reporters at The Gabba. “One of the important things on tour when you’re under pressure is to go out, free your mind and enjoy yourself… The message to the group is please don’t make decisions based on the fact you might get caught on camera.”
Stokes added he saw “nothing wrong” with the recreational activity, contrasting the tour conditions with the “miserable, freezing cold and dark” weather often found in England.
