CAREY ON CHILLING

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

- RORY DOLLARD IN ADELAIDE

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.

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.