Will Pietersen & co apologise for urinating on Oval pitch?

An investigation has been launched into reports that three top England players allegedly urinated on the pitch at The Oval, in London, hours after the fifth and final Ashes Test ended on Sunday.

The allegations, which originated from Australian journalists who were at the press box as darkness enveloped the ground, involved Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen and Jimmy Anderson who had all made significant contributions to England's 3-0 triumph in the series.

According to the Daily Telegraph, officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board had been in talks with Surrey -- the countyPietersen plays for -- and they are likely to ask for an apology from the ECB for the incident.

Surrey chief executive, Richard Gould, has described the behaviour as irresponsible.

"We are very disappointed. Nobody wants to put the mockers on any England celebration but that will be viewed by many people and by us as an irresponsible thing to have done. Knockabout stuff is one thing. But it is a very silly thing to do on a pitch at the Oval where there is so much heritage and history," Gould said.

"I have spoken to the ECB let them know what we are aware of we will let them investigate further from within. We will see what they come back to us with," he added.

The players are alleged to have taken turns to urinate on the pitch after they sat on the ground with their post-match drinks, according to an Australian journalist.

The three players relieved themselves on the pitch to the cheers of teammates as the England players celebrated the victory.

According to media reports, about five hours after the last Test was stopped due to bad light with England close to victory, the players gathered near the pitch to continue their celebrations.

While the center of the ground was quite dark, lights were on in the grandstands with people still cleaning up after a late finish, which saw the game go beyond usual time.

The incident has taken some sheen away from England's win over Australia who failed to rise to the occasion.

Image: England's Kevin Pietersen, James Anderson and Stuart Broad celebrate their Ashes victory after the 5th Test at the Oval on Sunday

Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images