England wrapped up the Ashes with a draw and a 3-0 series victory, but their post-match celebrations after day five has drawn criticism from their Australian counterparts as the often outspoken Shane Warne joined the bashing of England’s alleged urination on The Oval pitch.
A number of England players were said to have urinated on The Oval pitch during Sunday’s post-match celebrations, an action that has offended more than a few in cricketing circles.
Aussie Test legend Shane Warne used his column in The Telegraph to have a crack at an old foe.
“When you play in a six to eight-week series of intense Ashes cricket you should always have a chance to let your hair down at the end,” Warne wrote.
“Unfortunately the way people are judged these days it’s best to celebrate within the confines of the dressing room. Stay in there as long as you like, get as drunk as you like if that is what you want to do and enjoy your teammates and the moment.
“But to go and disrespect something as ancient as the Oval pitch in such an unnecessary and crass way is a pretty ordinary and arrogant thing to do. I wonder also if the opposition was mentioned too?”
Supposedly involved were Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen and James Anderson and England spinner Graeme Swann has all but confirmed the reports.
“We did go out to the middle of the pitch, all the lads, drinking beers, singing a few songs and enjoying each other’s company,” Swann said.
“I think the call of nature might have come once or twice but it was nothing untoward.”
County club Surrey has demanded an explanation while UK Sports Minister Hugh Robertson also stated his disapproval saying, “If it happened it’s not good behaviour”, however The Daily Mail came into bat for their Test heroes, declaring the Australian “accusations” as a case of “sour grapes”.
Get amongst CraveOnlineAU on Twitter and Facebook for daily sport, music, entertainment and gaming news.
Follow Robert White on Twitter @RobertWhitebrrr.
Gareth Copley, Getty Images.
