Ben Stokes was involved in an awkward exchange with an Australian reporter on Wednesday, while the England captain faced questions about photos that had emerged this week of himself, Mark Wood and Jamie Smith riding e-scooters in Brisbane while not wearing helmets.
In Queensland, it is a legal requirement for anyone riding an e-scooter to wear a helmet, with the three England players being thrust into the spotlight as a result.
The England skipper has subsequently spoken on the matter, stating that he and his team-mates were ‘human’, before adding that the Australian media was not going to impact his side’s enjoyment of the Ashes tour.
Ahead of the commencement of the second Test at The Gabba on Thursday, one Australian reporter again pressed Stokes on the matter, asking the 34-year-old if he wanted to ‘apologise’.
‘There’s been some criticism of yourself and some team-mates not wearing helmets while riding on e-scooters around Brisbane,’ the journalist began. ‘Do you acknowledge that was not the thing to do?’
‘Next time we’re on a scooter, we will wear helmets,’ the England captain replied bluntly.
The reporter asked again: ‘Do you think you owe an apology to Queenslanders?’
Stokes repeated himself: ‘Next time on scooters, we will wear helmets.’
The reporter asked again whether Stokes would make further comment, before a member of England’s staff stepped in, saying: ‘No, we’re going to move on.’
While those falling foul of the rule can face fines of up to $166 (£82), Queensland Police said that they had spoken to the three players and confirmed they would not be facing any punishment.
The players were later criticised by Queensland’s Minister for Sport Tim Mander, who called the move ‘irresponsible’.
Earlier this week, Stokes broke his silence on the matter by urging his side to keep enjoying everything Australia has to offer when they’re not in training.
‘If they [Australian media] think it is going to stop us enjoying this country when we have time off, then it is not going to do that,’ the England skipper said on the scrutiny that has followed them.
He added: ‘They are going to be there and film us, so the message to the group is please don’t make decisions based on the fact you might get caught on camera.
‘We are human. We need to enjoy countries when we get the opportunity, because we live in England, where it is miserable, freezing cold and dark at 4pm.’
England have only won four times in 22 matches at The Gabba, with their last win at the Queensland arena coming in 1986.
Stokes acknowledged England’s struggles here in the past, but defiantly said that his team were ready to change the narrative.
‘Lots of our guys are on their first Ashes tour, so this is going to be a new experience for them. No, it doesn’t hold too much fear,’ Stokes said on Wednesday.
‘Every time you go out there your juices are always flowing, regardless of the venue you do play at.
‘For Australia, I guess the Gabba is a little bit like Edgbaston or Headingley are for us, where you take a lot of confidence at home if you’ve got good records at those grounds.
‘You also understand that Australia know this is a very good ground for them but we’re excited for that.
‘Obviously, records for teams go back a long, long time. Many teams have gone to the Gabba and lost to Australia but this is a brand new outfit.’
