Ashes 2017: Jonny Bairstow statement stresses Cameron Bancroft 'headbutt' incident was 'blown out of proportion'

Bancroft has played down the severity of the incident in Perth earlier this month, while Australia captain Steve Smith admitted the timing was intentional to put Bairstow off his game

Jonny Bairstow issued a statement but took no questions at a press conference after the first Ashes Test in Brisbane. In it, he provided his account of his evening out in Perth with Australia opener Cameron Bancroft and others on October 29. Here it is:

"I wanted to address you, obviously, about some news that's come (out) over the last 24 hours.

"First of all, personally, I think it has been blown completely out of proportion.

"That evening, we were allowed out. There wasn't any curfew.

"I caught up with one of my friends and some of the Western Australia guys after they'd just beaten Tasmania at the WACA.

"We were just in the bar, having a good laugh and a good evening out. It was very enjoyable.

"Cameron and I enjoyed the evening and continued to do so.

"There was no intent, nor malice, about anything during the evening.

"As you could see, out there [on the pitch] today, there is no animosity between myself, Cameron (or) any of the other Australian players.

Bancroft and Bairstow shook hands at the end of the match (Getty)

"I hope we can now swipe this underneath the table, continue what is going to be a fantastic and exciting series - and we move on from there.

"Thank you."