The England cricket team has been under the spotlight following their disappointing Women’s Ashes 2025 campaign against Australia, and former teammate-turned-pundit Alexander Hartley‘s critical commentary has added fuel to the fire.

Alexandra Hartley’s thoughts on England’s performance: Women’s Ashes 2025

Hartley, who retired two years ago, raised concerns about the team’s fitness and form, sparking speculation of unease within the squad. Sophie Ecclestone‘s refusal to engage in a post-match interview with Hartley further intensified the narrative.  Hartley, known for her straightforward analysis, has not held back in critiquing England’s performances during the Ashes. Her observations about the team’s fitness and form were intended to highlight areas for improvement, particularly as England struggled to keep up with Australia’s dominance. Hartley also clarified that her comments were motivated by a genuine desire to see the team thrive on the international stage.

Also READ: Alex Hartley accuses Sophie Ecclestone and England team of giving her cold shoulder? after Women’s Ashes 2025 loss

Amy Jones addresses claims surrounding Hartley’s commentary

Speaking to the media in Canberra ahead of the 2nd ODI, Amy Jones refuted claims that Hartley’s commentary ha?s created tension within the England team. Speaking ahead of the second Ashes T20, Jones expressed ??disappointment over the allegations, emphasizing the team’s respect for Hartley.

“I don’t think that’s the case. It’s a shame to read [the claims made by Hartley]. Hartley’s a great personality and we have a lot of love for her in the group, so I definitely don’t think that’s the case. I think we all respect that commentators have their opinions and it’s Alex’s job to say how she feels, and I think we all respect that,” Jones stated.

Jones al?so shared her personal approach to handling criticism, choosing to avoid media analysis to maintain focus and confidence. She acknowledged the importance of constructive criticism in growing the sport but downplayed its impact on the team’s internal dynamics.

“I can only speak for myself, but I just don’t like to look at [the media]. (Because) I know that it could get to me and therefore it doesn’t serve me. It’s their job to criticise. Of course, it has an important purpose in growing the sport, but I don’t think I need the outside noise,” Jones concluded. 

Also READ: AUS vs E?NG: Here’s why England’s chances of reclaiming the Women’s Ashes 2025 seems all but over

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

In a twist that has sparked conversation across the cricketing world, Alex Hartley, a former England cricketer and current broadcaster, has accused star player Sophie Ecclestone and several members of the England women’s cricket team of giving her the “cold shoulder” post the opening T20I of Women’s Ashes 2025. This discord stems from Hartley’s outspoken critique of the team’s fitness levels during the tournament, which has led to a notable rift within the team’s dynamics.

Alex Hartley accuses Sophie Ecclestone of refusing to give her interview

After England’s 57-run loss in the first T20I in Sydney, which confirmed that Australia have 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. I’ve been hung out to dry by the England team: none of them will talk to me on the boundary edge,” said Hartley on BBC’s TMS podcast.

Hartley links Ecclestone’s interview refusal to previous fitness criticisms

This refusal by Ecclestone was interpreted by Hartley as a direct consequence of her earlier criticisms. She had previously made headlines by claiming t?hat a handful of players in the E?ngland squad were not up to par in terms of fitness.

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

“The reason I said that they were 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 Ashes and World Cups. I’m giving my opinion, and I’ve been given the cold shoulder from the England team ever since. I’ve upset them, clearly. Jon Lewis has come out and said there isn’t a problem with fitness in his squad, there isn’t a problem with fitness in the England environment. They obviously think I’m completely wrong in my opinion – which is fine, absolutely fine. I’m entitled to my opinions, and they’re entitled to theirs,” added Hartley.

Also WATCH: Soph??ie Ecclestone’s spellbinding delivery castles Tahlia McGrath in the AUS vs ENG 1st T20I | Women’s Ashes 2025

Hartley acknowledges support from some players despite setbacks

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

“Some of the players have been absolutely outstanding: I’ve spoken to them in the street, at the ground, wherever. But a few individuals �?coaches, players �?they literally haven’t looked at me,” Hartley added further.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Beth Mooney si??zzles as Australia thrash England in 1st T20I to retain Women’s Ashes 2025

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

In a cricketing landscape often dominated by tradition and a predominantly male coaching fraternity, the former England women’s cricketer Alexandra Hartley has emerged as a trailblazer in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Currently lending her expertise as the spin bowling coach for Multan Sultans, Hartley’s venture into coaching signifies not only a personal triumph but also a groundbreaking moment for women in cricket coaching as she is the first female coach of PSL history.

Shattering stereotypes: Alexandra Hartley’s impact in Multan Sultans’ camp

Amidst the vibrant energy of the Multan Sultans’ training camp, Hartley is not just a coach but a catalyst for change. Frequently seen engaged in intense discussions and training sessions, Hartley has seamlessly transitioned from her role as a player to a coach, bringing a wealth of experience to the team and setting a new precedent for women in cricket coaching. Her dedication and determination have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Multan Sultans currently occupying the top spot in the PSL 2024 points table.

Overcoming challenges: Navigating tradition and language barriers

The journey of Hartley as the ?first female coach in PSL history is not without its challenges, as there were initial concerns raised about whether she would be able to navigate traditional shifts and language barriers. Despite these hurdles, Hertley has managed to defy expectations and create a supportiv??e environment within the team.

Hartley shares her PSL experience

In an exclusive interview with the Indian Express, Hartley shed light on the welcoming atmosphere at Multan Sultans, emphasizing the pivotal role played by franchise owner Ali Tareen in ?making?? her feel at home.

“Everyone is welcoming and understanding. Ali (Tareen, the franchise owner) has broken boundaries. When he rang me and told me I need you at Multan Sultans, I just couldn’t turn it down. It’s a lot more than cricket. As soon as I arrived, we had a team meeting. Ali sat down everyone and said this is your bowling coach, this is your fielding coach blah blah. I instantly felt at home,” said Hartley.

Also WATCH: Shreyanka Patil goes the aerial route to pull off a se?nsational save at boundary rope during RCB vs MI clash

Hartley’s commitment to language learning and praise for Usama Mir

Acknowledging the importance of effective communication, Hartley furth?er expressed her commitment to learning at least a few words of Hindi and U?rdu.

In addition to this, she highlighted the dedication and hard work of Multan’s star spinner, Usama Mir. Hartle?y commended his efforts to analyze and improve his performance.

“I need to learn at least a few words of Hindi and Urdu,” the former English cricketer remarked.

“I think he (Usama) has put on a lot of hard work before the competition. He reflected on the World Cup. He came and told us straight away to look where he was leaking runs, and this was where he wanted to improve,” she said.

Championing women’s cricket: Hartley’s WPL vision beyond PSL

Beyond her coaching role in the PSL, Hartley envisions broader platforms for women’s cricket, citing the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) as a shining example. However, she suggested that it would be even nicer if the league’s games were more extended.

“It’s probably one of the best tournaments in the world just behind The Hundred, It’s been played only in Bengaluru and Delhi. That’s a lot of games. Showing women’s cricket is accessible to everyone. I would love to see WPL getting more extended,” she added.

Also READ: From Sanjana Ganesan to Natalie Germanos – Full list of sports presenters and commentators for WPL 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

In the dynamic world of cricket, loyalty often takes unexpected turns and comes into question. England’s star cricketer Kate Cross recently found herself caught up in a similar situation when she expressed her love for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise.

A die-hard fan of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kate recently sent shockwaves through the cricketing community when she donned the RCB jersey after being bought for INR 30 lakh at the Women’s Premier League 2024 auction in Mumbai on December 9.

Known for her unwave?ring love for the CSK franchise, Kate has become a beloved figure among the Yellow Army over the years. Her vocal support and enthusiasm for CSK have earned her a special place in the hearts of fans. However, her allegiance to the team was playfully questioned when she made a surprising move to RCB.

Banter on social media: Alexandra Hartley welcomes Kate to RCB

The banter began on social media when England’s former cricketer turned commentator, Alexandra Hartley, took to Twitter to welcome Kate to RCB.

“CROSSY TO RCB!!!!! Welcome home @katecross16 @RCBTweets,” Alexandra tweeted with excitement.

Also READ: Top 5 most expensive buys of WPL 2024 Auction

Kate’s heartwarming response and reassurance to CSK fans

In response, Kate shared an old picture of herself wearing the RCB jersey and cheekily wrote, “Always had a soft spot for @RCBTweets, Al” accompanied by a wink emoji.

This light-hearted exchange caused a stir among IPL fans, especially those loyal to CSK. A wave of emotions swept through the supporters as they grappled with the idea of Kate, the CSK fangirl, donning the colours of a rival team. However, Kate quickly doused the flames of uncertainty with a heartwarming post, reassuring her allegiance to CSK and wrote, “PS. Still @ChennaiIPL” with a yellow heart, leaving no room fo??r doubt about where her true loyalty lies.

//twitter.com/katecross16/status/1733457557274935??312

Outpouring of love for Kate and CSK

The sweet gesture from the CSK fangirl didn’t go unnoticed, and her tweet was met with an outpouring of love from fans across the cricketing spectrum. The post garnered over 2400 retweets, a testament to the affection fans hold for Kate and the CSK franchise. CSK’s official handle also responded to Kate’s post by commenting “Always” with a lion and yellow heart emoji.

*Always 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/Vjh59hwcue

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 9, 2023

Kate’s cricketing credentials: A player to watch

For those unfamiliar with Kate Cross’s journey, her initial snub during the inaugural Women’s Premier League didn’t deter her passion for the game. Undeterred, she joined the league as a commentator, showcasing her deep knowledge and understanding of the sport. Now, her inclusion as a player for RCB adds an intriguing twist to the WPL, making her a player to watch in the upcoming season.

As far as Kate’s career is concerned, she brings a wealth of experience to the table with 16 T20Is under her belt, boasting 11 wickets. Her impressive record extends to ODIs and Tests, where she has accumulated 79 and 24 wickets, respectively. Beyond the WPL, Kate is a seasoned campaigner in the Women’s Big Bash League and The Hundred W??omen, making her a valuable asse??t to any team.

Also READ: WPL 2024 Full Squads – Retained Players & Auction Buys

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

In a surprising yet heartfelt decision, Alex Hartley, a prominent figure in England cricket, has chosen to bid farewell to the sport she has passionately graced for years. The spinner, renowned for her significant contributions to England’s cricketing successes, shared her retirement plans on the BBC podcast “No Balls,” which she co-hosts alongside Kate Cross.

Hartley’s journey took a challenging turn earlier this year when she took a hiatus from the game, citing mental struggles while playing for Thunder in regional cricket. However, she made a triumphant comeback in The Hundred Women 2023, donning the Welsh Fire jersey with determination. In her three appearances for the team, she showcased her prowess by securing two wickets, contributing to Fire’s impressive revival this season.

The Welsh Fire’s resurgence in the ongoing tournament has already secured their place in the knockout stages, creating an ideal backdrop for Hartley’s swan song. If chosen, her final match could unfold in either the Saturday eliminator at The Oval or the grand finale at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Also READ: Marie Kelly drives Northern Supercharger??s to crucial win over Welsh Fire

A pioneering career comes to an end

Reflecting on her decision, Hartley expressed her enthusiasm about stepping into a new phase of life while reminiscing about her time with Welsh Fire. She praised the team’s supportive staff and acknowledged the challenging yet rewarding journey she embarked upon. She humorously mentioned her aversion to 50-over cricket, indicating her readiness to embrace retirement.

“I’m hanging my boots up – I am officially retiring from cricket. I’ve absolutely loved it at Welsh Fire, every single second of it,” said Hartley during her podcast appearance. “I’m really, really excited. I’m going to really miss it. I’m going to be really sad – but it’s right, isn’t it? I’ve been thinking about it for ages,” she added, alluding to the co??ntemplation that preceded? her decision.

Throughout her international career spanning from 2016 to 2019, Hartley represented England in 28 ODIs and four T20Is. Her impressive record includes 39 wickets in One Day Internationals and 3 wickets in the shortest format of the game. Her dedication, skill, and contributions to England’s cricketing legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.

Also READ: So??phie Ecclestone, Danni Wyatt take center stage as England stars illuminate WB?BL 2023 draft

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

England’s star player Alexandra Hartley has made what she considers the toughest decision of her life. The 2017 ODI World Cup-winning cricketer announced taking an indefinite break from cricket. Opening up about this decision on her ‘BBC No Balls’ Podcast, Hartley expressed the immense difficulty she faced in stepping away from the game she adores.

It is worth mentioning that the left-arm spinner debuted for the national team in 2016 and played a crucial role in England’s World Cup victory against India at Lord’s in 2017. Although Hartley represented the national team last in March 2019, she has remained an i?ntegral part of the North West Thunder team in domestic cricket. Notably, Hartley announced her departure from the game on the podcast, which she co-hosts with her Thunder teammate Kate Cross.

“I’ve stepped away and it might be for a month and it might be forever. I’m not putting a timeline on it because I don’t know how I’m going to feel tomorrow or the day after. I have felt like a different person, I have felt flat and I’ve not felt like that bubbly character that I normally am and that person that is excited to go to cricket,” said Hartley on her podcast.

After disclosing the decision to take a break from the s?port, Hartley also went on to pen an emotional note where she revealed how grappling with mental struggles over the past few ??months have affected her passion for cricket.

“Stepping away from cricket has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made. Doing it for this little girl who fell in love with the game. Doesn’t mean it’s over, I have absolutely no doubt I’ll be back stronger than ever. Thank you for all the messages, they mean the world,” The 29-year-old’s tweet read,” wrote Hartley sharing her childho?od photos on Twit??ter.

//twitter.com/AlexHartley93/statu?s/1662413499111288835??

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Alex Hartley, the left-arm spinner who played 32 games for England Women between 2016 and 2019, has revealed that she received death threats in the wake of her tweet during England’s two-day Test defeat against India last week.

Hartley took to Twitter to promote England Women’s ODI clash with New Zealand after the England men’s side, having been dismissed for 112 and 81, had suffered a 10-wicket defeat in Ahmedabad.

“Nice of the England boys to get this Test match finished just before England Women play tonight,” Hartley wrote with four clapping emojis.

Test opener Rory Burns, in reply, wrote: “Very disappointing attitude considering all the ‘boys’ do to support the women’s game.”

Left-handed batsman Ben Duckett, who played his last Test for England in 2016, joined in by calling it an “average tweet”.

Hartley insisted that her tweet was taken in a wrong way. In the recent episode of ‘No Balls’ podcast, the 2017 World Cup winner said she had to face social media abuse after the Twitter miscommunication.

“I’m a bit surprised at what has happened and a bit let down in a way from certain things that have happened,” Hartley said.

“I actually tweeted it when Joe Root got his five-for, and the game was clearly going to finish that day, but it could have gone either way. Yes, if you’re an England player and you see that tweet, it looks like I’ve done it because they’ve lost and I hadn’t.

“We called it a clumsy tweet, didn’t we? The intention of the tweet was genuinely to have a bit of a giggle and say, ‘By the way, the girls play, and it might be a bit better.

“In my opinion, I’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve done a tweet that was meant to be funny, and it’s been taken as not funny, and people are giving me grief like I still play for England – and I don’t.

“It’s been really weird because the tweet went down really, really well until Rory quoted it and then it went down like a sack of s***. I just felt like I was getting attacked from all angles over something that genuinely was meant to be a bit of humour.

“The messages of slating women’s cricket and saying that the men fund women’s cricket blah blah blah. I can deal with that.

“But it’s when people are telling you to go and die in a hole. Like, really? Just for tweeting one thing.

“The one that really infuriated me was I got a tweet from some guy saying, ‘Women’s cricket’s c***, women shouldn’t play sport, women this, women that’. He was a primary school head teacher. You just think, ‘If only I could show everybody who you really are’.”

Rory could have messaged me instead of belittling me: Hartley

Hartley also spoke about Burns’ tweet responding to her, which kicked up the storm. She explained how just a personal message from Rory could have sorted out the confusion.

“I think Rory’s just not understood what could come of him belittling me. All it would have taken was a private message saying I think this is bang out of order, to which I’d have messaged back saying: ‘I’m so sorry, it was just a joke,” added Hartley.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

England men’s cricket team opener Rory Burns was reprimanded by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after he indulged in a Twitter spat with England women’s cricketer Alexandra Hartley.

It all happened after the English?? team lost the thi?rd Test against India by 10-wickets at the newly-renovated Narendra Modi Cricket St??adium in Ahmedabad. The Joe Root-led side witnessed a batting collapse in both innings.

The visitors were bundled out for 112 and 81 in ?the two innings, r?espectively and India chased down the target of 49 runs without losing any wicket in their second essay.

After the match, Hartley tried to take a dig at England men’s team with a tweet. She wrote, “Nice of England boys to get this test match finished just before England women play tonight.”

Nice of the England boy??s to get this test match?? finished just before England Women play tonight 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Catch them on @btsportcricket #INDvENG #bbccricket #NZvENG

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) February 25, 2021

But Hartley’s post did not go down well with Burns, as he responded to the leg-spinner with a tweet, which was deleted later.

“Very disappointing attitude considering all the ‘boys’ do to support the Women’s game,” wrote Burns.

Interestingly, Burns’ tweet was liked by teammates Ben Stokes and James Anderson. Not only Burns, another England men’s cricketer Ben Duckett, who played four Tests for the three lions, termed Hartley’s comments as “average”.

Average tweet. Don’t think any of the men’s team would have been “👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼�?if the women lost. //t.co/4dgW7NMEeM

— Ben Duckett (@BenDuckett1) February 25, 2021

After the drama, Hartley clarified her stance while replying to Burns’ tweet, saying her post was taken out of context.

“Think it’s been taken the wrong way/out of context. No offence was meant. We are all test match fans,” tweeted Hartley.

Think it’s been taken the wrong way/out of context. No offence was meant. We are all test match fans pic.twitter.com/NIJU8QM2Xi

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) February 25, 2021

Nonetheless, Burns was chastised by ECB over his behaviour with Hartley on social media. According to a report in The Guardian, Ashley Giles and Clare Connor, England men’s and women’s cricket teams respective directors, spoke with the two players.

“We recognise the influence high profile people have on social media and have reminded Rory of his responsibilities,” said an ECB spokesperson as quoted by The Guardian.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) crashed out the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 after losing the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Abu Dhabi o?n Friday (Nove?mber 6). After being put in to bat first, RCB only managed a score 131/7 in their stipulated 20 overs.

Defending a low total is always tough, but the Challengers did take control of things until Jason Holder joined Kane Williamson. The international captains propelled their side to a six-wicket victory by adding an unbeaten 65-run ??partnership for the fifth wicket.

It was after four years that RCB had qualified for the playoffs and they w??ill hope to continue their run in the next season as well,?? which is likely to start in late-March of 2021.

Reacting to the Eliminator’s result, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has opined for a change in RCB’s captaincy and he wants the team owners to replace Virat Kohli. England women cricket team’s fast bowler Kate Cross also reacted to RCB’s defeat and trolled them.

Reacting to a tweet from her teammate Alexandra Hartley, Cross used MS Dhoni’s epic ‘definitely not’ quote to take a dig at RCB. The quote had gone viral on social media earlier this week after Dhoni confirmed that he isn’t retiring from IPL and will continue to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

//twitter.com/katec?ross16/status/1324773295221317633

Alex Hartley: a die-hard RCB fan

Hartley has followed the RCB throughout the IPL and has been one of their ardent supporters. Recently, she lauded Yuzvendra Chahal for his masterful spell of spin-bowling and also r??eckoned that RC?B have the potential to go all the way through to lifting the title.

She wrote, “Loveeee watching @yuzi_chahal bowl! Surely this year is the year for @RCBTweets #PlayBold #IPL2020 #RedRoseTogether.”

Loveeee watching @yuzi_chahal bowl!

Surely this year is the year for @RCBTweets ♥️🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽 #PlayBold #IPL2020 #RedRoseTogether 🌹 //t.co/s7WX0u3Cr7

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) October 29, 2020

Hartley also didn’t forget to wish Kohli on his 32nd birthday. She wrote, “It’s a very special day for all us RCB fans. Wishing @imVkohli a Happy Birthday @RCBTweets #PlayBold #Kohli #ViratKohli.”

It’s a very special day for all us RCB fans.
Wishing @imVkohli a Happy Birthday 🎈 @RCBTweets #PlayBold #Kohli #ViratKohli

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) November 5, 2020

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.