Overview
- Head said he hopes both teams share a drink after the SCG Test and noted he is looking forward to a beer with England opener Ben Duckett.
- Australia have retained the urn and lead the series 3-1 after sealing victory in Adelaide, with the fifth Test set to start in Sydney on January 4.
- The end‑of‑series gathering lapsed in 2023 following the Carey‑Bairstow incident and abuse of Australia players at Lord’s, and a planned meet‑up at The Oval never eventuated.
- Brendon McCullum initially ruled out drinks in 2023 before softening his stance, while Ben Stokes later said lengthy farewells delayed England and no snub was intended.
- This series has been generally more cordial despite isolated issues such as debate over the MCG pitch, as separate scrutiny continues over England’s Noosa break with Rob Key cautioning against excessive drinking.