Overview
- Australia lead the Ashes 3-1 and retained the urn after the third Test in Adelaide, with the fifth Test due to start at the SCG on January 4.
- Head said there is mutual respect between the sides and singled out Ben Duckett as someone he looks forward to sharing a beer with.
- Players from both teams traditionally meet for a post-series drink, a practice that did not occur at The Oval in 2023.
- The 2023 series was marred by Alex Carey's run-out of Jonny Bairstow and abuse of Australia players in the Lord's Long Room, after which Brendon McCullum questioned the prospect of shared beers.
- This year's contests have generally been cordial, with controversies focused on shared factors such as snicko errors and criticism of the MCG pitch.