Australian brewing giant Carlton has announced that it will be sending a special edition beer called "England Bitter" to the English cricketers in an attempt to help them cool off after the recent controversy surrounding their loss in the second Test.
The rechristened version of Victoria Bitter will be dispatched on Thursday, coinciding with the opening day of the third Test in the five-Test series, which Australia lead 2-0.
This marketing strategy comes in response to the contentious dismissal of England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow at Lord's.
Bairstow believed he was given out stumped by Alex Carey during what he thought was a break in play. The incident provoked a wave of boos and abusive remarks from English fans and even some members of the normally calm MCC at Lord's.
In light of the situation, England coach Brendon McCullum hinted that his players might not be sharing a beer with their Australian counterparts anytime soon.
"We know the English are bitter about the Lord's Test, but when they're feeling less bitter, we've got a beer to shout them ... our fresh new England Bitter," said VB marketing manager Marc Lord.
"England Bitter has got their name on it and we're sending a few slabs (cases) to the English cricket team to enjoy once they've cooled off," he added.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday rejoined a verbal duel with British counterpart Rishi Sunak over the controversy.
Sunak had "let his disappointment get ahead of him here", Albanese told a radio interviewer, after the British leader's spokesman said he "simply wouldn't want to win a game in the manner that Australia did".
Albanese also criticised Bairstow for having stumped a rival in worse fashion in the past, apparently referring to video of a 2014 English County Championship match when he was playing for Yorkshire.
"There's some terrific footage of Jonny Bairstow stumping a fellow who just doesn't try to play a shot, just lifted his foot just a little millimetre off the ground," Albanese said.
"He waited for that to happen and then stumped him and then did interviews afterwards about it being the rules of the game and how pleased he was with it all. So, I think there's a bit of nonsense going on."
(With agency inputs)
