Joe Root sought to play down the controversy surrounding wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow after Australia crushed England to go 1-0 up in the Ashes.
Bairstow is alleged to have been involved in an incident with Australia batsman Cameron Bancrofr, during a night out in Perth four weeks ago, at the start of England’s tour.
England management were seeking to defuse the matter, which has received substantial coverage in Australian media after the story broke on Sunday evening.
Root said: “With the story about Jonny, I think a mountain has been made out of a molehill. We have to move on and concentrate on cricket.”
Root also tried to ease fears about the fitness of all-rounder Moeen Ali, who suffered a cut to his spinning finger and did not bowl on the final day.
Australia cruised to victory with plenty to spare, with Bancroft – on his debut – finishing 82 not out and Warner ending on 87. Even though they competed for three days, England were outplayed on the final two and have much to think about as they go to Adelaide.
Speaking about Bairstow, coach Trevor Bayliss said there had been “no malice” in the incident.
