Anderson reveals Australia beer snub after Ashes win

England paceman Jimmy Anderson has claimed Australia turned down the offer of a post-match dressing room beer following the first Test in Cardiff.

England's handsome 169-run win in the opening match of the series has given Alastair Cook's team an ideal platform ahead of the second match, which begins at Lord's on Thursday.

While enjoying a drink together has become a familiar custom for Test teams, Anderson said the touring Australians kept their distance.

He said of the refusal: "That's their prerogative. In the New Zealand series, we had a beer after each game with them. We found that was quite an enjoyable thing, just to chew the fat after a hard Test. It didn't matter whether we won or lost."

Speaking in several national newspapers, Anderson said England had joined the New Zealand team for a drink, even after losing at Headingley at the start of June to draw their two-match series.

He added: "At Headingley, we still went into their dressing room and had a beer with them. It's Cooky's idea. He went and asked them. We were all happy to do it. I don't know why they (Australia) didn't come in."

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh played down the significance of Australia turning down England's offer.

Waugh said on Sky Sports News: "That's been blown out of all proportion. I had a quick word with (Australia coach) Darren Lehmann last night. He's a very sociable guy and so are all the Australian players.

"I think they were probably looking to have that organised leading up to the Test match and not during the Test match. You'll find Australia are very keen to have their beer at any stage, so that's a story that isn't really a story."