Opening batsman Travis Head is hoping that Australia and England can return to a long-standing Ashes tradition: sharing drinks together after the series concludes. This custom was missed following the 2023 series, when extended farewells for several England players and staff at The Oval prevented the usual post-match gathering.
Head expressed his excitement at the prospect of a post-series beer at the Sydney Cricket Ground, praising the mutual respect between the teams. “There’s definitely mutual respect,” he told The Australian. “I get along with a couple of them really well. There are some really good relationships with both teams. I’m looking forward to having a beer with Ducky (Ben Duckett).”
Australia currently lead the five-match series 3-1, having already secured the Ashes with a win in the third test in Adelaide. Despite some tension during the 2023 series—sparked by a controversial run-out involving Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey and England’s Jonny Bairstow—Head emphasized the importance of camaraderie.
Relations between the sides soured previously, with Australia players facing abuse from England fans at Lord’s and England coach Brendon McCullum initially doubting the possibility of a post-match meetup. However, after England’s victory in the final test at The Oval, McCullum indicated that the teams would indeed meet for a drink—though it ultimately didn’t happen, leading to criticism in some Australian media.
England captain Ben Stokes later clarified on social media that there was no intention to snub the Australians; delays caused by farewells simply meant the traditional gathering couldn’t take place.
Looking ahead, Head is eager to restore the tradition in Sydney, saying, “It’d be a nice moment. It’s obviously nice going there knowing that we’ve won the series.”
