Ben Stokes refuses to apologise in awkward interview after breaking little-known rule that carries fine

Dec 3, 2025 - 16:15

Ben Stokes has promised to wear a helmet the next time he is on a scooter in an awkward exchange with a reporter.

It comes after the England captain and two of his team-mates were spotted breaking a little-known road rule in Brisbane.

Ben Stokes of England talks to the media before an England nets session at The Gabba on December 03, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia.

Stokes was involved in an awkward exchange with a reporter ahead of the second Ashes Test[/caption]

Stokes, wicket-keeper Jamie Smith and bowler Mark Wood were pictured without helmets whilst riding e-scooters this week.

Queensland’s road rules carry a $166 fine for the offence if caught.

However, local police have confirmed the trio will not be fined for the incident.

Stokes was questioned by a reporter on the story during his press conference at the Gabba on Wednesday.

He had been speaking to the press ahead of the start of the second Ashes Test.

The journalist asked: “There’s been some criticism of yourself and some teammates not wearing helmets on e-scooters around Brisbane.

“Do you acknowledge that that was the wrong thing to do?”

Stokes replied by stating: “Next time we’re on a scooter, we will wear helmets.”

The reporter continued: “Do you think an apology is owed to Queenslanders?”

This prompted Stokes to repeat his initial response as he once again vowed to wear a helmet next time he wears a scooter.

England’s Ben Stokes prepares to bat during a training session at The Gabba in Brisbane on December 2, 2025, ahead of the second Ashes cricket Test.

Stokes and two of his team-mates have avoided fines for not wearing helmets whilst riding e-scooters[/caption]

However, the reporter pressed him on the issue, adding: “Are you not going to make any further comment about this, other than what you’ve just said?”

At that point, the ECB’s press officer stepped in to clarify: “No, we’re going to move on.”

Stokes on Australian press

Stokes had earlier addressed the incident in a BBC interview after Australian outlets had slammed the England trio for not wearing helmets.

Responding to the backlash, explained: “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.

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

“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.

England’s captain Ben Stokes reacts after a press conference before a team training session at The Gabba in Brisbane on December 3, 2025, ahead of the second Ashes cricket Test against Australia.

The England captain is preparing for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba on Thursday[/caption]

“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 and England will be looking for a response on the pitch in the second Ashes Test this week.

The first ball of the day-night contest is scheduled for 4am UK time on Thursday, with the match set to run until Monday.

Australia lead the series 1-0 after securing an eight-wicket victory inside two days in last month’s first Test in Perth.