Ben Stokes and two teammates under police lens after breaking rules in Brisbane

Ben Stokes, Mark Wood and Jamie Smith risk fines in Brisbane after reportedly riding e-scooters without helmets ahead of the 2nd Test of the Ashes 2025-26.

Ben Stokes. Photo via England Cricket

England’s preparations for the second Test of the Ashes 2025–26 series have been overshadowed by an unexpected off-field controversy. Captain Ben Stokes, pace bowler Mark Wood and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith have reportedly come under the radar of Queensland Police after being spotted riding electric scooters around Brisbane without helmets. Under Queensland’s strict road-safety rules, helmet use is compulsory for all e-scooter riders, making the trio’s actions a clear breach of local law.

Images and clips circulating online appeared to show the three players navigating through the city without proper protective gear. Although Smith allegedly had a helmet attached to his rented scooter, he was seen riding without wearing it. Local authorities confirmed the incident had drawn attention, as Brisbane has been pushing safety compliance aggressively following a rise in e-scooter accidents across the city.

“Some players, such as captain Ben Stokes, have been getting out and about in Brisbane and using Lime e-scooters to see the city,” the report by Telegraph wrote.

“However, it is a legal requirement in Queensland that all riders of e-scooters must wear a helmet, and Stokes, Mark Wood, and Jamie Smith were pictured appearing to flout that law. Smith’s scooter even had a helmet attached to it,” it added.

Will Ben Stokes and Co. be punished?

With the second Test fast approaching at the Gabba, the timing of the incident is particularly problematic. England are desperate to regain momentum in the series, yet the focus has shifted momentarily to matters unrelated to cricket. While the breach is considered minor, the optics are damaging, especially for a team striving to regain public confidence after a shaky start to the tour.

Queensland Police have not announced formal action yet, but local reports suggest the players may face fines typically issued for such violations. The league of visiting sports teams has often been reminded of Australia’s stringent safety rules, and this episode serves as another example of how quickly small lapses can become headlines during high-profile tours.

“Queensland Police Service are actively engaging with communities across the state to promote safe practices, educate users on compliance requirements, and enforce road rules to reduce the risks posed by unsafe and non-compliant use associated with E-mobility devices, including E-bikes, personal mobility devices (PMDs) or e-scooters, and electric motorbikes,” the Queensland Police Service statement read.

Where to watch the Australia vs England match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the Australia vs England 2nd Test in the Ashes 2025 from December 4 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: India’s WTC campaign suffers blow after embarrasing defeat vs SA; slips from third position

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