Brisbane: England Stars Face Helmet Breach Inquiry

Dec 5, 2025 - 10:00

The England men in the game of cricket have ended up in an unlikely off-field scandal in Brisbane where 3 of the players (including the Test captain Ben Stokes) are allegedly under police arrest after being caught on camera riding e-scooters without any helmets. It happened only hours after the team had landed in Perth after still suffering an eight-wicket loss in the opening Ashes match that had ended in less than two days.

Having a big break before the second Test started on December 4, some of the players decided to tour Brisbane. Stokes, quick bowler Mark Wood and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith were spotted riding around town on hired electric scooters. Nevertheless, the three people unintentionally breached the Queensland road safety law, which stipulates that individuals must use protective headgears when using e-scooters. It is worth mentioning that even the scooter possessed by Smith came with a helmet, albeit it was not used.

In Queensland, the maximum fine that may be given to the riders who do not wear a helmet is 166 Australian dollars under Section 256A(1) of the Road Rules. The authorities at the local level have not announced that any formal action will be undertaken, but the photos have introduced a new discussion on whether visitors are following the state safety laws.

The appearance of Mark Wood increased more concern on this issue because of the immense strapping on his left knee- an injury issue which has already disqualified him in the next Test. The rapid bowler only managed to give 11 overs during Perth and felt discomfort.

It is not the first incidence that England players have been victims of the Australian rules. In the 2010-11 Ashes tour, the England star batter Kevin Pietersen was fined A 239 because of speeding close to Melbourne shortly after England scored a historic win.

Although the off-field lapse is a small issue, as compared to the on-field obstacles, it has offered an undesirable distraction at a time when England is trying to revert once again, before a crucial second Test. The management of the team should handle the issue within the company, but it still remains unclear whether the Queensland Police is going to seek the punishment.