England have 'a lot of love' for Hartley - Jones

England have a "lot of love" for Alex Hartley despite the former spinner claiming she has been given the "cold shoulder" by the team, says wicketkeeper Amy Jones.

Hartley, who is working in Australia as a pundit, says she was refused a TV interview by former England team-mate Sophie Ecclestone during the first T20 on Monday.

The 31-year-old questioned the fitness levels of some of England's players last autumn following their early exit from the T20 World Cup.

Jones said she "doesn't think it is the case" that Hartley has been shunned.

"It's a shame to read that," said Jones. "We all respect that commentators have their opinions and it's Alex's job to say how she feels, and we all respect that.

"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."

England were beaten by holders Australia in Sydney, meaning the hosts retained the Ashes at the earliest opportunity after four wins from four.

Jones said she has not looked at the criticism that has followed.

"I can only speak for myself, but I just don't like to look at [the media], because I know that it could get to me and therefore it doesn't serve me," said Jones.

"It's their job to criticise, and of course it has an important purpose in growing the sport, but I don't think I need the outside noise."

England trail 8-0 on points and can no longer secure the series win they need to regain the trophy. Australia only need to draw the series to retain it.

The second of three T20s taking place in Canberra on Thursday at 08:40 GMT and victory in all of the remaining matches would mean England emerge from the series with a draw.

Jones reaffirmed England captain Heather Knight's view they are "not far off" beating Australia despite particularly heavy defeats in the most recent matches.

"We still feel positive that we can put on a show and entertain and inspire you all," Jones told BBC Sport.

"There's been many moments where we could have won different games, which I guess makes it all the more frustrating.

"But we can absolutely draw from here. Our best cricket is yet to come and we're all really excited about that."

Jones also spoke candidly about England's costly defeat in the second ODI, where she was tasked with shepherding the tail in an attempt to chase only 181 for what would have been a series-levelling win.

England were bowled out for 159 after Jones had miscounted how many balls were left in the 48th over, which left number 11 Lauren Bell exposed at the other end.

"I don't think I've ever had to farm the strike in a game before, especially not for that long," Jones said.

"It was very frustrating. It felt like every time I looked for a boundary I could only get the single, and every time I wanted the single I couldn't get it.

"I took that very hard. There was a lot going on in the over, with no-balls and a change of bowler, but I was adamant there were two balls left so I guess I was just distracted."

Jones said the situation had been very emotional for her but that she had received plenty of support from her team-mates and credited their unity in sticking together despite the series scoreline.

England fought back from 6-0 down in 2023 to level the series, but by that point the Test, which is worth four points, had already been completed.

This year's Test takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for four days from 30 January.