England love Alex Hartley ‘very much’ despite the former spinner claiming they did considering the “cold shoulder” by the team, says goalie Amy Jones.
Hartley, who works in Australia as a pundit, claims former England teammate Sophie Ecclestone refused to allow her to be interviewed during the first T20 on Monday.
31-year-old he questioned his fitness level some England players last autumn after their early exit from the T20 World Cup.
Jones said she “doesn’t think that’s the case” that Hartley was rejected.
“It’s embarrassing to read,” Jones said. “We all respect that commentators have their opinions and it’s Alex’s job to express how she feels and we all respect that.
“Hartley is a great personality and we love her very much in the group, so I definitely don’t think that’s the case.”
England were defeated in Sydney by Australia, meaning the hosts retained the Ashes at the earliest opportunity after winning four from four.
Jones stated that she was not familiar with the criticism that followed.
“I can only speak for myself, but I just don’t like looking at it [the media]because I know it would get to me and that’s why it doesn’t serve me,” Jones said.
“Their job is to criticize and of course it has an important purpose in developing the sport, but I don’t think I need outside noise.”
