Sports
Hartley shocked at snub from ex-England team-mates
Alex Hartley has been “shocked” at being given “the cold shoulder” by England players during the Women’s Ashes because of comments the former spinner made about the team’s fitness.
Hartley, who is working as a pundit for the BBC and other television networks in Australia, says she was refused a TV interview by former England team-mate Sophie Ecclestone during the first T20 game on Monday.
The 31-year-old questioned the fitness levels of some of England’s players last autumn following their early exit from the T20 World Cup.
“I’ve been hung out to dry,” Hartley, who retired as a player in 2023, told the BBC Test Match Special podcast.
“The reason I said England aren’t as fit as Australia is because I want them to compete, I want them to be better and I want them to win.
“But I’ve been given the cold shoulder ever since – not by everyone, but a few individuals, coaches and players. They haven’t looked at me.”