'Lot of love for her': England star denies bad blood towards former player amid Ashes commentary fallout
Amy Jones insists there is no bad blood between England's Ashes squad and Alex Hartley despite the former spinner's claims she had been given the 'cold shoulder'.
Since hanging up the bat two years ago, Hartley has taken on a role as a pundit for the BBC, but her commentary has seemingly hit a nerve with some of her former teammates.
The 31-year-old raised questions over the team's fitness and form issues in October and again this week as England fell short in their pursuit to break Australia's Ashes reign.
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The latest defeat to the Aussies was one Sophie Ecclestone seemingly did not want to discuss, with the left-hand spinner denying an interview with Hartley post-match.
Amy Jones of England leaves the field after being dismissed by Alana King of Australia. Getty
England veteran Jones dismissed any suggestion that the World Cup winner's commentary was the cause of angst among team members.
"I don't think that's the case," the wicketkeeper said ahead of Thursday's second Ashes T20.
"It's a shame to read [the claims made by Hartley].
"Hartley's a great personality and we have a lot of love for her in the group, so I definitely don't think that's the case.
"I think we all respect that commentators have their opinions and it's Alex's job to say how she feels, and I think we all respect that."
Hartley explained her criticism of the team came from her desire to see them contest for major titles against the world's best.
However, Jones admitted she has not followed the analysis on her team's performance.
"I can only speak for myself, but I just don't like to look at [the media]," she said.
"(Because) I know that it could get to me and therefore it doesn't serve me.
"It's their job to criticise. Of course, it has an important purpose in growing the sport, but I don't think I need the outside noise."
Australia has already won the Ashes series despite a T20 and a Test match still to come.
