ECB issues clarification on embarrassing Oval pitch incident

England players celebrate after securing a 3-0 series win against Australia (via Gettyimages)

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have issued a clarification on the post match incident that shamed English cricket after the fifth and final Test match at the oval.

England players came in for heavy criticism from the former Australian spin wizard Shane Warne for their post match behaviour, with reports claiming three English players had relieved themselves on the Oval pitch.

The ECB on its website issued a following statement regarding the controversy:

“The England cricket team would like to state that during our celebrations after winning the Ashes at no time was there any intention to disrespect Surrey CCC, the Oval or anyone else involved in the game we love.

“As a team we pride ourselves on respecting all things cricket including the opposition and the grounds we play at. We got carried away amongst the euphoria of winning such a prestigious series and accept that some of our behaviour was inappropriate.

“If that has caused any offence to anyone we apologise for that and want to reassure people that it was a simple error of judgement more than anything else.”