Alex Hartley given ‘cold shoulder’ by England over fitness comment
Monday’s defeat was England’s fourth in four games in Australia and means they surrender the Ashes at the earliest opportunity.
England failed again, just like they were knocked out of last year’s T20 World Cup by West Indies.
After withdrawing, Hartley said: “About 80% of the players in the England team are fit and athletic, but there are some girls in the team who let the team down in terms of fitness.”
Coach Jon Lewis responded by saying he believed the criticism was unfair, adding “our guys are very healthy.”
“I’m actually surprised that people say that,” he said. “Physical fitness had absolutely nothing to do with us losing that game.”
“Obviously I upset them,” Hartley, England’s second-highest wicket-taker during their successful 2017 World Cup, said on Monday.
“Jon Lewis has said there’s no issue with the fitness of his team. They think I’m wrong, which is fine – I’m entitled to my opinion and they’re entitled to theirs.
“My job is to say things need to be done better, and I did that. I think the way I’ve been treated since then has been completely unfair.”
The BBC contacted the England and Wales Cricket Board but they would not respond.
Hartley wrote on the
“For some, the friendship remains the same. For others, I’m shocked and surprised by their reactions.”
