The Ashes 2023 series delivered a captivating blend of entertainment, on-field drama, and controversies, leaving both players and fans engaged. The conclusion of the series saw England emerging victorious in the fifth Test, resulting in a 2-2 draw, while Australia retained the Ashes. However, even with the Ashes chapter concluded, the controversy surrounding the customary post-series drink remains a topic of discussion. Travis Head, a prominent Australian cricketer who closely observed the incident, has added his perspective to the ongoing conversation.
Post-Ashes drink controversy
The fiercely contested five-game Test series concluded in a manner that sparked controversy, as the players from England and Australia refrained from sitting together for the traditional post-series drink in the dressing room. This turn of events was preceded by England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, suggesting that the English players might not participate in the customary drink with their Australian counterparts due to a contentious dismissal involving Jonny Bairstow during the second Test.
The decision of the England players not to engage in the customary drink with the Australian team after the series led to speculation that this was an intentional action. Reports indicate that Australian players even attempted to look into the England dressing room after the last Test, possibly seeking to join them for the drink, but eventually abandoned the idea and left the stadium. It was reported that Pat Cummins and other Australian players repeatedly asked to enter the English dressing room, but access was denied as the door remained locked.
The English team, Nevertheless, clarified that the joint drink session could not occur due to post-match functions planned for retiring players and select staff members.
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, took to Twitter to explain that the team’s post-match activities were extended due to presentations and other commitments. He emphasized that the players from both teams did indeed meet, but the gathering took place at a nightclub rather than in the dressing room, addressing the confusion and providing clarity on the situation.
To clarify…
Our wrap took longer than expected because of multiple last time event’s.
We decided to meet up in the night club rather than the dressing room
🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 https://t.co/jJ4Qw3uCnm— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) August 1, 2023
Head provides insight on contentious event
Head has recently provided his perspective on the incident. In an interaction with the Willow Talk Podcast, the left-handed batter confirmed that he and his fellow teammates did approach England’s dressing room and patiently waited for almost an hour, hoping to engage in a post-game handshake.
“In terms of it, it’s been played up a little bit. Post-match, I think we hung around for a little bit. They had a couple of retirements, and, I think, a few staff that was going. We sort of knocked a couple of times and got told two minutes, which turned into an hour, and the boys got a bit fed up,” the 29-year-old said.
Head further emphasized that England’s actions were not intentional and that it was a matter of timing mismatch rather than any deliberate disregard.
“But yeah, a few of the boys met up with them afterwards, and I’ve been in contact with a couple of the guys that I was close with about the differences in the timing. A bit disappointing, but, yeah, I don’t think it was by design,” the southpaw concluded.
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