Sections of the Australian media reported that after England's 3-0 drubbing of the Aussies ended with a thrilling draw in the fifth Test, the home team's dressing room revelry spilled over to the ground with Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen and James Anderson being involved in the disgraceful act of watering the pitch.
Even as the news went viral and England coach Andy Flower refused to comment, British sports minister Hugh Robertson expressed outrage and urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to examine claims from at least two Australian journalists who said they witnessed the trio walk out on to the pitch and relieve themselves to the loud cheer of teammates. "If it happened, it's not good behavior," Robertson said.
Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported: "While the centre of the ground was quite dark, lights were on in the grandstands with dozens of people still cleaning up after a late finish which saw the game go beyond 7.30pm.
"A number of players including Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen and Jimmy Anderson took it in turns urinating on the pitch to the cheers of their teammates.
"This could be clearly seen from the outside overflow areas of the press box." The incident happened about five hours after the match was called off due to bad light with England on the verge of a freak victory.
While the centre of the ground was quite dark, lights were on in the grandstands with people still cleaning up after a late finish, which saw the game go beyond usual time.
Curator Cam Sutherland said that it was not a "good look" and called it unfortunate, while photos posted by wicketkeeper Matt Prior showing the players drinking late into the night on the Oval turf seemed to lend credence to the reports. Pietersen admitted to a hangover on Monday morning, tweeting, "Morning#ouch#mayday."
The British media too had fun at the players' expense, with headlines like 'Ashes to splashes' and 'England's wee party' dominating the sports news.
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