Cricket's new world order of bonhomie has received a major setback - English pace bowler James Anderson revealed Australia refused a drinks invite after the first Ashes test at Cardiff.
England and New Zealand shared drinks after both test matches in England this year, but Aussiecaptain Michael Clarke "snubbed" the invitation, the Telegraph reported.
According to Anderson, little was said between the teams during the match. England concentrated on their skills, and their domination silenced the Australians. England also got the silent treatment after captain Alastair Cook made the drinks invitation.
Anderson said: "We had a beer after each game with them (New Zealand). We found that was quite an enjoyable thing, just to chew the fat...it didn't matter whether we won or lost."
Chewing the fat might be meat and drink for the English and Kiwi cricketers, but these Aussies are made of sterner stuff. During the 2005 Ashes series, the two teams did catch up after each match, and Australian captain Ricky Ponting said this camaraderie was a reason they lost. The drinks sessions have since been abandoned until the end of the series.
Anderson said: "We were all happy to do it. I don't know why they didn't come in (but) that's their prerogative."
