Former England spinner and World Cup champion Alex Hartley has reported that star spinner Sophie Ecclestone, along with a few other team members, has been avoiding communication with her on the boundary following her remarks regarding the team's fitness levels after their exit from the T20 World Cup in October. Hartley, who has transitioned into a pundit role since her retirement, initially indicated that none of the England players were willing to engage with her, but later specified that it is only a select few who are unresponsive.

"Sophie Ecclestone declined to participate in a television interview with me today," Hartley stated during an appearance on the BBC's TMS podcast after England's 57-run defeat to Australia in the first T20I in Sydney on Monday. "I feel abandoned by the England team; none of them will converse with me at the boundary. My comments about their fitness compared to Australia stem from a desire for them to compete effectively, surpass Australia, and achieve success in the Ashes and World Cups. I am merely expressing my opinion, yet I have been met with silence from the England team since then."

"Not every player has ignored me. I want to clarify that not all have treated me the same way, as some have been exceptionally gracious. I have had conversations with them in various settings, whether on the street or at the venue. However, a few individuals—both coaches and players—have completely avoided making eye contact with me," Hartley added.

England's woes in the field

England is currently on a tour of Australia for the Women's Ashes, which, in contrast to the men's series, is structured as a multi-format competition where the team accumulating the most points ultimately claims victory. Thus far, the tour has been challenging for the visitors, as Australia has convincingly secured wins in all three One Day Internationals, followed by a 57-run triumph in the first T20I. A significant concern for England has been their inconsistent fielding. Beth Mooney was dropped early in her match-winning innings of 75 in Sydney on Monday, and a series of mistakes contributed to England's three ODI losses at the beginning of the tour. Hartley has emphasized that England struggles to compete with Australia's "athleticism."

"I've upset them," she remarked. "Jon Lewis has stated that there is no issue with fitness within his squad, nor within the England setup. They believe my perspective is entirely incorrect, which is perfectly acceptable. I am entitled to my views, just as they are to theirs.

"It is my responsibility to point out areas that require improvement, and I did so. However, I believe the treatment I have received since then has been quite unjust. They may argue that my comments were inappropriate, but if that is how our relationship will evolve moving forward, then so be it… If fitness is not an issue, then it must be a matter of athleticism for some, correct?" she stated.

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