Sophie Ecclestone refuses interview with Alex Hartley post Ashes loss

The ongoing multi-format of the Women's Ashes being played between the hosts Australia and England has gone downwards for the visitors. Following a 3-0 ODI series whitewash and a defeat in the first T20I, England’s performance has drawn immense criticism.

During all this, former England World Cup-winning spinner Alex Hartley has revealed strain with the current team, mentioning an incident where Sophie Ecclestone refused a post-match interview with her. Hartley, now a broadcaster, has faced backlash from some England players after criticizing the team’s fitness following their early exit from the T20 World Cup, in October 2024.

England failed to progress to the knockout stage after a shocking loss to the West Indies in the league stage. Post that Hartley commented on player fitness and form, intended to encourage improvement, however, it has strained her relationship with the squad.

"Sophie Ecclestone refused to do a TV interview with me today. I've been hung out to dry by the England team: none of them will talk to me on the boundary edge. The reason I said that they were not as fit as Australia is because I want them to compete with Australia, I want them to be better than Australia, and I want them to win Ashes and World Cups. I'm giving my opinion, and I've been given the cold shoulder from the England team ever since," Hartley told the BBC's TMS podcast.

I've upset them, clearly: Alex Hartley

Furthermore, Alex Hartley also pointed out that her criticism was a desire to see England match Australia’s high standards and display better performances. However, she admitted that some players and coaches had refused to engage with her since her comments.

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“Not all of them have given me the cold shoulder. I don't want to say that they've all been the same, because they haven't. Some of the players have been absolutely outstanding: I've spoken to them in the street, at the ground, wherever. But a few individuals - coaches, players - they haven't looked at me," she added.

Notably, England’s fielding have been under question throughout the Ashes. Big mistakes, including a dropped catch off Beth Mooney, who went on to score a match-winning 75 in the first T20I, have highlighted their struggles. 

"I've upset them, clearly. Jon Lewis has come out and said there isn't a problem with fitness in his squad, there isn't a problem with fitness in the England environment. They obviously think I'm completely wrong in my opinion - which is fine, absolutely fine.

I'm entitled to my opinions, and they're entitled to theirs. It's my job to say if I see something that needs to be better, and I did, but the way that I've been treated since I think is totally unfair. But they will say that my comments were unfair, so if that's the way our relationship is going to be moving forwards, then so be it, If fitness isn't a problem, then it's athleticism from a few, isn't it," Hartley concluded.