Ashes 2013: Graeme Swann appears to admit players urinated on pitch at The Oval - but insists it was 'nothing untoward'

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Graeme Swann appeared to confirm England players urinated on the Oval pitch as they celebrated their Ashes triumph on Sunday.

The victorious squad returned to the field to celebrate after their 3-0 series win over Australia concluded with a draw in fading light in south London.

Reports subsequently appeared in the Australian press that players had relieved themselves pitch.

Quoted in the Sun, England spinner Swann said: "We did go out to the middle of the pitch, all the lads, drinking beers, singing a few songs and enjoying each other's company.

"I think the call of nature might have come once or twice but it was nothing untoward.

"It was midnight, a private celebration in the middle of the pitch and the ground was dark."

Players including Kevin Pietersen, Stuart Broad and James Anderson reportedly queued up to relieve themselves on the square while team-mates cheered.

The England and Wales Cricket Board was unavailable for comment on Monday.

But Surrey chief executive Richard Gould told the Sun: "We've spoken to the ECB and they say they will be looking into the matter.

"We would be very disappointed if it turns out they did urinate on the pitch."

PA