Beergate: Nash sides with Aussies

England players celebrate their first test win over Australia in Cardiff. Photo / AP

Former Black Caps seamer Dion Nash says he understands where Australia are coming from after they snubbed England's offer of post-match drinks.

England won the first Ashes test by 169 runs and fast bowler James Anderson revealed that Michael Clarke refused England's invitation after the game.

Brendon McCullum's New Zealand team shared drinks with England after each match in the test series played earlier this year - which finished 1-1 after two tests.

Nash played 32 tests for the Black Caps between 1992 and 2001 and he revealed that sharing drinks after each game was "a pretty rare event" during his career.

"When you're competing there's always a bit of a fragile relationship when you've got to go out the next day and face bouncers," said Nash.

"Personally if I was playing in a team and I saw my own teammates too pally with the opposition - I'd be pretty pissed about it. You need to play and play seriously.

"There's a bit of a media beat up at the moment about how you've got to be nice guys and have a beer afterwards. To me that was never the case when I was playing. You should have a beer at the end of the series - that's probably the right time.

"If having lost and Michael Clarke had been seen having a can of Fosters next door and smoking a cigarette, looking relaxed, what would the Aussie press have been saying about that?

"Back when I was playing, I started at amateur and went to professional, and even at amateur there wasn't a huge amount of teams celebrating, partying or drinking together. You kept your distance because it was a competitive environment."

Since Australia last won the Ashes in England in 2001, they've only won two tests on English soil and during their preparation for this series, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin criticised New Zealand for being too nice.

Nash added: "For New Zealand right now we've been winning so it's been easy to be good guys. I guess you can take your hat off to England because they're good friendly guys.

"I think it's great the Kiwis and the English got on but I think there's also a time and a place.

"You create the team culture and Brendon McCullum wants to create a friendly happy environment and that's cool. Obviously the English do as well but that doesn't mean Australia has to follow suit.

"You've got to respect the way the Australians play the game and you don't have to fall in line because New Zealand thinks they're nice guys. I don't buy into that and that's just as disrespectful to say that Australia has to be like New Zealand."

Nash played his final game for the Black Caps in 2002 in a ODI against South Africa and he added that players do enjoy sharing stories when their careers are over.

"The time we have off now is where we enjoy catching up with other teams and you meet at functions and beach cricket things! You get on much easier.

"Everyone was competitive and there was always an edge but it's nice to meet players when you finish playing to have a beer and share stories then."