Ben Stokes & Co. face police action for breaking laws in Australia amid Ashes 2025-26

England Test captain Ben Stokes and two other players have found themselves in trouble in Brisbane ahead of the second Test against Australia in the Ashes 2025-26 series. According to a report by The Telegraph, Stokes was seen riding an e-scooter without a helmet, a clear breach of Queensland’s road safety rules.

The England squad reached Brisbane on Wednesday for the upcoming pink-ball Test after suffering an eight-wicket loss in the Ashes opener. The match ended in two days, and with the second Test set to begin on December 4, several players used the extra time to move around the city and explore Brisbane’s streets.

Ben Stokes Caught Riding E-Scooter Without Helmet in Brisbane

According to The Telegraph, Ben Stokes, fast bowler Mark Wood, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith were seen travelling around the city on e-scooters without helmets. The report also noted that Smith had a helmet attached to his scooter but chose not to wear it.

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“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 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.

Ben Stokes and Two Other England Players Could Be Fined for Breaching the Rule

Riding an e-scooter without a helmet is against Queensland’s road rules. Anyone who breaks this rule can be fined up to 166 Australian dollars. Ben Stokes and two other England players could be fined for breaching the rule.

This is not the first time England cricketers have faced trouble with Australian authorities. During the 2010-11 Ashes tour, former England batter Kevin Pietersen was fined 239 Australian dollars for speeding in a Lamborghini near Melbourne.

A few years later, commentator Jonathan Agnew was fined for jaywalking in Adelaide. “Booked for walking across a deserted street at 00:45. Adelaide! I used to love you! How sad,” he posted on social media, before adding, “There were four officers. Rude and offensive.”

Queensland Police Respond After England Stars Spotted Breaking the Law

On Tuesday afternoon, Queensland Police issued a response after photos of the England players riding e-scooters without helmets began circulating online. In their statement to news.com.au, the authorities said that they are educating riders to follow the rules.

“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.

Injured pacer Mark Wood was spotted with heavy strapping on his knee. The team arrived in Brisbane trailing 1-0 after being outclassed in Perth. Travis Head smashed 123 off 83 balls and helped Australia chase the 205 target with ease. England will be desperate to end their long wait for a win in Australia.

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