The brewery behind one of Australia's biggest beers has jumped into the ongoing furore around the Ashes with a cheeky dig at the English cricket team.
Carlton and United Breweries, the makers of VB, have taken advantage of the opportunity to put out a limited "England Bitter" line in its recognisable green-labelled bottles.
But the branding isn't changing wholesale, with the marketing team opting to keep the well-known "VB" logo, judging by the promotional materials.
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A "few warm slabs" are also being sent to the English team.
It follows English coach Brendon McCullum's refusal to have a beer with the Aussie squad after controversy marred the second Test, including the stumping of Jonny Bairstow.
"We know the English are bitter about the Lord's Test, but when they're feeling less bitter we've got a beer to shout them," VB marketing manager Marc Lord said.
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"We raise our glass to the whole Australian team for securing a famous win in the second Test, and wish them the best of luck in winning the series."
Just to cover both creases, CUB is also releasing an update of its VB jingle for the limited edition EB, with the lyrics proclaiming, "You can get it not protecting your stumps, you can get it ignoring the umps – Victoria Bitter for the English".
The third Ashes Test begins at Headingley tonight, from 8pm AEST.
It's anticipated to be intense after the back-and-forth between the two squads in recent days, with the niggle even reaching to both countries' prime ministers.
You can watch every ball of the Ashes live, free and exclusive on 9Now.
