Australian batsman Travis Head has expressed hope that players from both sides will be able to share a drink once the Ashes finish in Sydney, reviving a long-standing tradition that was missing at the end of the contentious 2023 series.
Post-series drinks between players and staff from Australia and England have long been part of the Ashes tour, but the custom fell away after the fifth Test at The Oval in 2023. An extended farewell to England’s players and support staff meant the two sides never met, despite expectations that tensions would ease following England’s victory in the final Test.
Speaking to The Australian newspaper, Head said he was looking forward to the prospect of the two teams meeting at the Sydney Cricket Ground once the series was over, stressing that the current contest had been played “the right way”. “There’s definitely a mutual respect,” Head said. “I get on really well with a couple of them. There’s a really good relationship with both teams. I’m looking forward to having a beer with Ducky (Ben Duckett). It would be a nice moment, especially knowing we’ve won the series.”
Head’s comments come amid scrutiny of England’s off-field behavior during the tour, with the inquiry launched after reports suggested the tourists’ mid-series break in Noosa resembled a “stag do”. Media coverage focused heavily on player socializationincluding time spent in bars by several individuals, Duckett among them. England chief executive Rob Key, who did not travel to Noosa, said he had no problem with the break itself but would be concerned if there was evidence of excessive drinking.
Australia have already retained the Ashes and lead the five-Test series 3–1 after their victory in the third Test in Adelaide. The series was less heated than the 2023 contest, which was marred by the “spirit of cricket” controversy after Alex Carey insulted Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s. The incident significantly strained relations, with the Australian players being abused by England supporters in the Long Room and England head coach Brendon McCullum initially suggesting that post-series drinking was unlikely.
Although McCullum later softened his stance after England won the final Test at The Oval to draw the 2023 series 2–2, the expected meeting never materialised. England captain Ben Stokes subsequently dismissed suggestions of foul play, explaining on social media that the extended farewell at The Oval had delayed proceedings.
The fifth and final Test of the current series begins at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4, where Head hopes cricket and the series can end on a brighter note.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 31, 2025
