‘Pommy idiot’, Courier-Mail reporter clash over scootergate

Ben Stokes has been rattled by a journalist from The Courier-Mail after she called him out over his blatant disregard for Queensland laws.

English cricket captain Ben Stokes has refused to apologise for not wearing a helmet while riding an e-scooter around Brisbane after being put on the spot by The Courier-Mail.

Late yesterday Stokes was still refusing to apologise days after he was seen riding an e-scooter around the city with teammates Mark Wood and Jamie Smith.

Asked by a journalist from The Courier-Mail if he acknowledged what he, and his teammates, did was wrong, Stokes replied: “next time we’re on scooters, we’ll wear helmets”.

He gave the same reply when pressed on whether he should apologise for his actions.

Stokes, when then asked if that was all he would be willing to say on the matter, was saved by a team media adviser and blocked any further questions on the topic.

■ Qld’s sorry e-scooter statistics revealed

The New Zealand-born star had already given Australia a resounding victory over the Poms - declaring it the “best country” in the world to tour, especially compared to their homeland.

A defiant Stokes had boasted in British media that fun was a “priority” for his squad and he wouldn’t stop his team enjoying everything Australia has to offer.

Stokes had earlier hit out at his critics via an interview with the BBC in which he boldly declared: “If they think it is going to stop us enjoying this country when we have time off then it is not going to do that”.

Ben Stokes enjoying his ride. Picture: Backgrid

The Courier-Mail's front page.

“Australia is the best country to tour away from cricket. There are so many things to do,” he said.

“You can go out and about and see things that only Australia has to offer, great golf courses, coffee shops and easy places to have lunch.

“We are human. We need to enjoy countries when we get the opportunity because we live in England where it is miserable, freezing cold and dark at 4pm.”

Stokes, Mark Wood and Jamie Smith were photographed riding the e-scooters without helmets this week, creating headlines in the UK and in Australia.

Queensland Police said they won’t fine the England players, despite condemnation from health professionals who warned helmets were crucial for safety.

A total of 12 people have died in crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters in Queensland so far this year - up from eight in 2024.

The staggering increasing in death and injuries prompted an inquiry into the safety of the devices and Queensland’s laws, with the state government set to receive a final report in March next year.

England's captain Ben Stokes during the press conference. Picture: David Gray

Failing to wear a helmet carries a fine of $166 under Queensland’s road rules.

From November 3 to 23, almost 800 people were given infringements for not wearing a helmet in Queensland.

Public Health Association of Australia chief executive Terry Slevin said the decision not to fine the trio was akin to “Ashes diplomacy”, while AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim said the rule breaking without consequences would be “frustrating for our emergency doctors”.

“AMA Queensland strongly advocates for tougher enforcement of existing road rules, ensuring those who fail to wear helmets face consequences for their actions,” Dr Yim said.

The England players have found their every move is being somewhat followed in Australia, with Joe Root, Zak Crawley and Stokes followed around a Perth golf course by a drone.

Stokes said his team won’t be forced indoors, emphasising the importance of players being allowed to “free your mind” and “enjoy yourself.”

Stokes was feeling the heat. Picture: David Gray / AFP

“We felt it when we got here. There were cameras in front of the hotel from 8am, following us on the golf course and even when we went out for some lunch,” he said.

“No one is doing anything wrong with what’s been filmed or photographed. It’s making sure lads are getting that enjoyment element of touring such a great country like Australia.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with going out and spending your time off on a golf course or having coffee or lunch, riding on a scooter.”

Fellow England player Ollie Pope said locking the hotel doors would be “unhealthy” and England were embracing the conditions – on and off the field.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie urged the English stars to follow the road rules.

“It is important sports stars, even Pommy ones, lead by example on and off the pitch especially when it comes to Queensland’s road rules,” Mr Purdie said.

Asked again on Wednesday if the trio would be fined, Queensland Police reissued a previous statement saying officers were aware of the images.

“Officers have since engaged with those persons to inform and educate them on compliance requirements associated with E-mobility devices in Queensland,” the statement said.

Originally published as ‘Pommy idiot’, Courier-Mail reporter clash over scootergate