In the aftermath of a crushing defeat in Perth, the first two-day Ashes Test for 104 years, England came under fire for their approach on the field, activities off it and decision not to send any of their first-Test XI to play in an England Lions game in Canberra.
Former Australia pace bowler Mitchell Johnson called England “arrogant”, to which Stokes responded: “I’d rather words like ‘rubbish’. ‘Arrogant’, I’m not too sure about that.”
All-rounder Stokes is one of the most high-profile cricketers in the world. The 34-year-old experienced extreme media scrutiny in 2017 when he was charged with affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub.
Stokes was ultimately cleared, but missed the 2017-18 Ashes tour as a result.
Some of England’s players are in their first Ashes series and on their first tour of Australia.
“Before we got out here those conversations happened as a group,” said Stokes. “It is not unexpected.
“We felt it when we got here. There were cameras in front of the hotel from 8am, following us on the golf course and even when we went out for some lunch.
“I’ve been at the very, very bad end of the media. I get it.
“No-one is doing anything wrong with what’s been filmed or photographed. It’s making sure lads are getting that enjoyment element of touring such a great country like Australia.”
England’s previous Ashes tour in 2021-22 took place under Covid restrictions, meaning players were limited in what they could do away from cricket.
On Wednesday, England batter Ollie Pope said: “Locking your doors and not coming out of your room is the unhealthy thing to do, as we saw in Covid times.”
Australia fast bowler Scott Boland added: “I’m a pretty private person. I like being able to go home when I can and not have a camera in my face all the time.”
Asked whether the media attention is good for the game or crosses a line, Stokes replied: “A bit of both. My sponsors will be happy because I seem to be in the press every four days.
“It will probably continue throughout the rest of the tour. I don’t see anything wrong with going out and spending your time off on a golf course or having coffee or lunch, riding on a scooter.
“It’s fine. If they want to keep doing it, they are all polite and don’t intrude on our personal space. We have a job to do, they have a job to do.”