Alex Hartley Sidelined by England Team After Fitness Critique

Former England cricketer Alex Hartley has faced backlash from her former teammates after criticizing their fitness levels following England's early exit from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Hartley expressed disappointment over being given the 'cold shoulder' by players, including Sophie Ecclestone, who declined to participate in a post-match interview with her. Despite Hartley's assertion that around 80% of the team are fit, she pointed out that a few individuals were not meeting fitness standards, which she believes impacted performance. England's coach Jon Lewis dismissed her claims, stating that fitness was not a factor in their losses. The situation highlights the challenges athletes face in transitioning to commentary roles while maintaining relationships with former teammates. Hartley remains committed to voicing her opinions on the sport, emphasizing that her critiques are meant to promote improvement and success for the team.