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Queensland ministers poked fun at England stars Stokes, Wood and Smith after they rode e-scooters helmetless in Brisbane, while using the mishap for a cheeky safety message.
Ben Stokes is being slammed for not wearing an e-scooter helmet. (Picture Credit: AP)
A couple of high-profile ministers in the Queensland government in Australia didn’t let go of the opportunity to educate and troll ‘silly’ England cricketers after the trio of Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, and Jamie Smith were pictured riding two-wheeler electric scooters without helmets in Brisbane.
The incident occurred a few hours after the English arrived in the city, fresh from the drubbing in the first Ashes 2025-26 Test in Perth. Queensland laws mandate bicycle or two-wheeler helmets for e-scooters, with a fine of up to 166 Australian dollars (about Rs. 9,795 on current exchange rates) for not following it.
England captain Ben Stokes and team mates risk police action after riding scooters without helmets, according to the The Telegraph.As per report, the players were found riding through Brisbane on e-scooters without protective headwear.
The other players were Mark Wood, Jamie… pic.twitter.com/INcge5r072
— Saleh Ayub (@SALEHAYUB3) December 1, 2025
Most e-scooters already have helmets attached to them, which was the case with the English trio’s rides, too, but they chose not to wear them. According to local media, the Queensland government has decided against fining the players but has privately ‘educated’ them about the laws.
“What the Pommy cricketers did was very irresponsible, but it has helped us with a new road safety campaign. Don’t be silly like the Pommy cricketers, wear your helmet,” Queensland Minister of Sport Tim Mander said.
Queensland’s Transport Minister, Brent Mickelberg, made a comment that was a mix of humor and reprimand.
“I don’t want to see anyone bowled over on our streets – though judging by recent form, the Poms seem to prefer getting themselves out. We’ve already seen too many fatal and serious e-scooter crashes, and riding without a helmet isn’t just a bad shot – it’s a dangerous one. The rules are there for a reason, no matter who you are – strap on a helmet and stay safe,” Mickelberg said.
Meanwhile, naturally, the question was put to the England camp and former vice-captain Ollie Pope had to answer for them.
“Just put a helmet on next time. Rules are rules,” Pope told reporters. “I mean if they want to catch us doing that then so be it but it is important to have balance on a long tour like this.”
But he also mentioned how the visitors weren’t comfortable with the constant attention on them.
“In the days after the Test you’re very aware of (the attention). It was everywhere you went, when the guys were trying to unwind and for us as cricketers and as people I think it’s important to try and be able to switch off and be yourself,” Pope said.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 02, 2025, 23:22 IST
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