Ben Stokes Responds To Claims That England Rejected A Post-Ashes Drink With The Aussies: Post-Ashes tensions usually settle over a traditional round of drinks between the two teams. However, this year, reports emerged from the Australian media accusing England of shunning this ritual. England’s skipper, Ben Stokes, has now issued a clarification, setting the record straight on the alleged snub.
England achieved a commendable victory over Australia by 49 runs in the fifth and final Test at The Oval. Despite the Aussies starting the day confidently on 135/0, they were all out for 334. England’s Chris Woakes emerged as the star of the show with a 4/50 performance.
However, the victory was somewhat marred by controversy. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald stated that England had locked their dressing room after the match. Allegedly, Australian players knocked repeatedly and waited for over an hour, only to walk away disappointed.
Ben Stokes Responds To Claims That England Rejected A Post-Ashes Drink With The Aussies
Ben Stokes responded to these allegations via social media. Journalist Bharat Sundaresan had tweeted about the supposed post-Ashes drink controversy, prompting Stokes to clear the air. “Our wrap took longer than expected because of multiple last-time events,” he clarified. He added that the two teams had decided to meet up at a nightclub instead of the dressing room.
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/jJ4Qw3uCnmAdvertisement— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) August 1, 2023
Indeed, the Oval Test was a significant one for England. It marked the end of an era for their fast-bowling legend Stuart Broad, who retired from international cricket. Moeen Ali, who had returned from Test retirement at Stokes’ behest after Jack Leach’s injury, confirmed that this had been his final red-ball game for England.
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Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time this series that drinks between the teams were discussed. Earlier, England coach Brendon McCullum had commented they wouldn’t be sharing a beer with the Australian players anytime soon, following the controversy over Jonny Bairstow’s stumping at Lord’s.
While the traditional post-Ashes drinks may not have taken place as usual, Stokes insists there was no intended snub. His explanation suggests a logistical reshuffle rather than an intentional avoidance. As the dust from the controversy settles, fans and players alike can now focus on celebrating the performances on the pitch, rather than the dramas off it.
