Steve Smith has declared it a shame that England refused drinks with the Australian camp on multiple occasions after the final Ashes Test, providing an insight into how events went down.
The revelation that no post-Ashes drinks were shared post one of the most entertaining series in recent memory created yet another media storm.
Initial reports suggested the Australians were flatly shut out of England’s changerooms, while Ben Stokes insisted later in the night that the two teams met up in a nightclub.
Steve Smith shared Zak Crawley’s version of events in suggesting the Aussies were led on a merry dance.
“We did knock on the door a couple of times. We were waiting around a while and Stokesy came out at one point and said 'two minutes' and about an hour passed,” Smith told SEN 1170’s The Run Home.
“We thought, ‘we can’t keep sitting here. Are we going to have a beer or not’? The guys got a bit fed up and decided it was time to go.
“It was unfortunate, it was the first time in my career that we’ve not had a drink with them after a series and it was a bit of a shame.
“They caught up with a few of the boys in the nightclub later on that night, I had gone home by that stage, but it was a shame not to have a beer and reflect on what was a pretty cool series.”
Smith added that most of the Australian squad later headed to the nightclub, with Travis Head taking best on honours.
Crawley had previously explained the England side enjoyed a send-off for Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali post-Test, meaning the timing simply didn’t work with Australia.
The series ended as a 2-2 draw as Australia retained the Ashes.
Smith averaged 37.3 with the bat in a strong Ashes showing but faces another test when moving up the order for upcoming T20Is against South Africa.
Selectors declared this week that the 34-year-old would open the batting for the three T20Is after Smith blizted BBL|12 at the top of the order for the Sydney Sixers.
“They said they were going to give me an opportunity up the top a couple of weeks ago. It was something I jumped at, I haven’t done a great deal of it,” Australia’s Test no.4 said.
“It was something I did in the Big Bash, I had a bit of success up there. It’s the place you want to bat, probably, in T20 cricket or white-ball cricket all together.
“I’m getting the opportunity and hopefully I can take it with both hands.”
The T20Is start in late August before Australia and the Proteas meet for five ODIs throughout September.