In a distasteful postscript to their Ashes triumph, three top English cricketers were at the centre of a huge controversy following reports that they allegedly urinated on the pitch at The Oval here, hours after the fifth and final Test ended on Sunday. 

The allegations, which originated from Australian journalists who were at the press box, involved Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen and Jimmy Anderson, who had all made significant contributions to England’s 3-0 win.

The players allegedly took turns to urinate on the pitch, according to an Australian journalist. They relieved themselves to the cheers of team-mates as English players celebrated their victory.

English wicketkeeper Matt Prior tweeted a picture of the players drinking beer on the Oval pitch in darkness, calling it the “best moment of the Ashes.”

Britain’s Sports Minister Hugh Robertson said the allegations will be examined, but English coach Andy Flower refused to comment. Robertson said: “If it happened, it is not good behaviour.”According to media reports, about five hours after the last Test was stopped due to bad light, the players gathered near the pitch to continue their celebrations.

While the centre of the ground was quite dark, lights were on in the grandstands, with people still cleaning up after a late finish.