Alex Hartley given ‘cold shoulder’ by England players over fitness criticism

Former spinner Alex Hartley said she was “shocked" at being given "the cold shoulder" by England women’s cricket team, following her remarks regarding their fitness.

Hartley, who is working as an expert for the broadcasting channels in Australia, revealed that she was denied an interview by her former England teammate Sophie Ecclestone during their first T20I against Australia on Monday.

Hartley had questioned the fitness of some of the English players following their early exit from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

"I've been hung out to dry," Hartley 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.

"About 80% of the England team are fit and athletic enough, but there are girls in that side who are letting the team down when it comes to fitness."

England’s coach Jon Lewis reacted to Hartley’s concerns and deemed them unfair, arguing that the players are "very fit".

"I'm surprised that people would say that, actually," he said. "Fitness was absolutely nothing to do with us losing that game."

Alex Hartley, in response, said she is entitled to her opinion and highlighted what she thought needed to be addressed.

"Clearly I have upset them. Jon Lewis has said there isn't a problem with fitness in his squad. They think I am wrong, which is fine - I'm entitled to my opinions and they are entitled to theirs,” said Hartley.

"It is my job to say something that needs to be better and I did. The way I have been treated since I think has been totally unfair," she concluded.