Steve Smith has confirmed England would join them for a post-series drink, more than two years removed from when tensions hit an all-time high between the Ashes rivals.

During a fiery 2023 series, things reached boiling point at Lord’s when Jonny Bairstow was stumped by Alex Carey, leading to increased hostility on and off the field.

At the time, England coach Brendon McCullum publicly stated his team would not be socialising with the Aussies due to the controversial nature of Bairstow’s dismissal.

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Jonny Bairstow is stumped in the 2023 series. Getty

“I can’t imagine we’ll be having a beer anytime soon, if that’s what you’re asking,” he told BBC’s Test Match Special during the last series.

The comments caused quite a stir, with Australian counterpart Andrew McDonald admitting he was “disappointed” to hear McCullum’s stance.

But in the wake of Australia’s 4-1 series victory on home soil this summer, things appear to be a little more rosey between the long-standing foes.

While there were some spicy moments – Jofra Archer’s exchange with Steve Smith, Ben Stokes telling Marnus Labuschagne to “shut the f–k up” and even on the final day of the series, Brydon Carse firing up at Jake Weatherald – Smith confirmed in his post-match press conference that the Aussies had extended an olive branch.

Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc speak to media after the Ashes series. Nine

“I’m not sure what the plan is tonight,” the skipper said.

“We’ll go back in the sheds, I think the English will come in for a drink. We’ve invited them in – don’t laugh [pointing at journalists] – so hopefully they come in for a drink.

“We’ll see where the night takes us.”

Many of the players from both sides of the Ashes leger have played with or against one another for many years and to see them come together after a gruelling five-game series is exactly the way it should be, no matter what happens on the field.