Aussie keeper backs tourists' right to have fun in the sun

AUSTRALIA wicketkeeper Alex Carey has defended England's right to “refresh the batteries” after their decision to take a mid-Ashes break on the Sunshine Coast has attracted an onslaught from Australian media.

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The touring squad's four-day trip to the beach resort of Noosa has long been inked into their two-month-long itinerary.

But after slipping 2-0 behind following defeats in Perth and Adelaide, the knives are out Down Under.

England have been followed by photographers, TV reporters and writers, with shots of players ordering beers and relaxing on the beach doing the rounds.

Headlines including “Sun's out, run's out”, “Life's a beach even for sinking Poms’, “Overprepared to the bitter end” have been churned out with the images.

Captain Ben Stokes even agreed to pose for a good-humoured picture with representatives from coastal radio station 92.7 Mix FM, standing alongside two men in full cricket whites holding signs that read “For Sale Moral Victories” and “Bazballers Anonymous Free Counselling”.