London: James Anderson's comments about Michael Clarke and Co. rejecting Alastair Cook's offer of sharing a post-match beer in Cardiff at the end of the first Test prompted a sharp response from Australian pacer Peter Siddle.

"We were (invited). It's my fifth Ashes series and it's the first time anyone's ever gone to have a drink after one Test match.

"It's a little bit of an interesting story, especially from Jimmy considering at The Oval when the last time we had a drink, he said 'I don't know why we do this. I can't stand it'. Interesting comments, but you know what Jimmy's like.

"I've played four Ashes series previously and we've never had a drink after a Test match until the very last one... I don't think anything's going to change here," Siddle was quoted as saying.

On Monday, Anderson had said: "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 (Australia) didn't come in."

Clarke said that he discussed the idea with Australia head coach Darren Lehmann and senior players before responding. "When Cooky approached me after the game, I was a little surprised, to be honest," Clarke said.

"It hasn't happened too many times in my career no matter who we have played after the first Test. Normally, we do it after a series.

"I spoke to Darren and a few of the senior players to get their views. They were of the opinion, like me, that at the end of the series we'll have a drink with England. If they ask us again at the end of this match, we'll worry about it then.

"For us, it's not a big deal and I'm sure for England, it's not a big deal either."

The second Test begins at Lord's on Thursday, with Siddle in contention to play for Australia if Mitchell Starc fails to recover from an ankle injury. But Siddle said Starc looked close to full fitness during Tuesday's training session.

"Starcy got through well today, bowled out in the middle off the long run, both ends... He's feeling good," said Siddle. (Agencies)