Alex Hartley accuses Sophie Ecclestone and the England team of taking her cold after the Women’s Ashes 2025 defeat.

In a twist that has sparked conversation across the cricketing world, Alex Hartleyformer England cricketer and current television presenter, accused the star Sophie Ecclestone and several members of the England women’s cricket team giving her “cold shoulder” announce opening T20I of Women’s Ashes 2025. This disagreement stems from Hartley’s outspoken criticism of the team’s level of preparation during the tournament, which has led to a significant rift within the team dynamic.

Alex Hartley accuses Sophie Ecclestone of refusing to give her interview

After England’s 57-run defeat in the first T20I in Sydney, which confirmed that Australia had retained the Ashes, Hartley revealed that Sophie Ecclestone, England’s leading spinner, had “refused” to do a TV interview with her.

“Sophie Ecclestone refused to do a TV interview with me today. The England team hung me out to dry: none of them will talk to me on the edge of the boundary,” Hartley said further The BBC’s TMS podcast.

Hartley links Ecclestone’s refusal to be interviewed to previous criticisms of fitness

Ecclestone’s refusal was interpreted by Hartley as a direct consequence of her earlier criticisms. She previously made headlines for claiming that several players in the England squad were not up to fitness.

Following England’s disappointing exit in the T20 World Cup and their subsequent Ashes series defeat, Hartley’s comments were seen as a direct criticism of the team’s performance and preparation. Her remarks specifically referred to the team’s inability to match Australia’s “athleticism”, which she believed was a significant factor in their defeat.

“The reason I said they’re 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 the Ashes and the World Cup. I express my opinion, and since then the English team has coldly accepted me. I upset them, clearly. Jon Lewis came out and said there is no fitness problem in his squad, there is no fitness problem in the England environment. They obviously think I’m completely wrong in my opinion – which is fine, absolutely fine. I have the right to my opinion, and they have the right to theirs,” Hartley added.

Also WATCH: Sophie Ecclestone’s mesmerizing delivery bowls Tahlie McGrath in AUS vs ENG 1st T20I | Women’s Ashes 2025

Hartley acknowledges the support of some players despite setbacks

While Hartley expressed disappointment at her treatment, she emphasized that not all players shunned her. She acknowledged that some individuals, both players and staff, remained supportive and approachable.

“Some of the players were absolutely outstanding: I spoke to them on the street, on the pitch, wherever. But several individuals – coaches, players – literally didn’t even look at me,” Hartley added further.

Also READ: Reactions on Twitter: Beth Mooney fired up as Australia beat England in 1st T20I to retain Women’s Ashes 2025

This article was first published on WomenCricket.comand Cricket times company.