Australia turned down offer of a beer at Cardiff, James Anderson reveals

Australia turned down England captain Alastair Cook's offer of a drink after losing the first Ashes Test in Cardiff, home bowler James Anderson has revealed.

Pegged as underdogs going into the series opener at Sophia Gardens, England turned in a supreme performance to take a 1-0 lead and banish many memories of their 5-0 whitewash Down Under 18 months previously.

The Test was played at a breakneck speed " as England's games against New Zealand were earlier in the season.

Though the two-Test tussle with the Kiwis was noted for the spirit and respect between the camps, it appears the Ashes will be played out in a more testy atmosphere.

"That's their [Australia's] prerogative," said Anderson.

"After 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.

"At Headingley [where England lost to New Zealand], we still went into their dressing room and had a beer with them.

"It's Cooky's idea. He's the captain, he went and asked them. We were all happy to do it. I don't know why they didn't come in."