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Peter Siddle today claimed that Jimmy Anderson “can’t stand” sharing post-match drinks with Australia.
The tourists declined England’s offer of a beer after the First Test in Cardiff, preferring to do so only at the end of the series – as has been the recent Ashes tradition. Siddle said Australia were unlikely to change their approach here.
Anderson said it was Australia’s “prerogative” to turn it down but Siddle expressed surprise that his rival bowler had wanted to be involved in the first place.
Siddle said: “We were invited in. It’s my fifth Ashes series and it’s the first time anyone has ever gone to have a drink after one Test match.
“It’s an interesting story, especially from Jimmy, considering at The Oval last time we had a drink, he said he didn’t know why we do this and that he couldn’t stand it. They are interesting comments but we know what Jimmy is like.
“Like I said, I’ve played four Ashes series and we’ve never had a drink after a Test match until the very last one. I don’t think anything is going to change here.”
Australia’s rejection will not stop England maintaining their sociable ways, according the opening batsman Adam Lyth. He said: “It would have been nice to have them in to share a beer but it’s up to them. The door will be open here, and I’m sure that even if we get beaten here we will be knocking on their door with a few beers, but it’s their choice.”
Siddle is expected to play if Mitchell Starc does not recover from an ankle injury but the left-arm quick took part in practice earlier today.
“He bowled in the middle off the long run from both ends and he’s feeling good,” reported Siddle, who added that he believed wicketkeeper Brad Haddin would be fit. Haddin took only a limited part in today’s session.
