The England and Wales Cricket Board has said it will investigate after police were called to break up a drinking session marking the end of the Ashes series.
Rival players and staff enjoyed a get together in the aftermath of Australia’s 4-0 series win in Hobart late on Sunday night, standard practice at the conclusion of a tour.
But their socialising proved too rowdy for a fellow guest at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Tasmania Police were called and sent four officers to bring an end to the boozy gathering, which had spilled out on to an open air terrace.
A video clip shows England captain Joe Root, record wicket-taker James Anderson – who had not played in the final Test – and Australian trio Nathan Lyon, Alex Carey and Travis Head sitting quietly at a table filled with beer bottles.
In the footage one of the police officers is heard to say “you’re too loud, you’ve obviously been asked to pack up” and “time for bed” with a clock in the background showing 6.30am.
The party happily makes its way watched on by staff members, but a voice which appears to be that of England assistant coach Graham Thorpe identifies the group of players before adding “just video this for the lawyers”.
An ECB spokesperson said: “During the early hours of Monday morning, members of the England and Australia men’s teams shared a drink in the team areas of the hotel in Hobart.
“The hotel management received a noise complaint by a hotel guest and, as is commonplace in Australia, the local police attended the scene.
“When asked to leave by hotel management and the Tasmanian police, the players and management in question left and returned to their respective hotel rooms. The England party have apologised for any inconvenience caused.
“The ECB will investigate further.”
PA quoted a Tasmania Police statement, saying they would take no further action.
The incident appears to be minor in itself, hinging on little more than a few raised voices after an Ashes tour, but may cause the ECB to look further at the issue of team culture.
It could now form part of a tour review by Ashley Giles, the managing director of men’s cricket.
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