Lara Bingle, Lee Furlong no-shows at WAG counselling session

Melbourne, May 27 (ANI): Cricket WAGS Lara Bingle and Lee Furlong were no-shows at yesterday's special counselling seminar held at the team's pre-Ashes camp on the Sunshine Coast.

The wives and girlfriends of all 25 contracted Australian cricketers - especially the 16 to tour England - were invited to sessions overseen by Relationships Australia.

They came after scenes of high tension between some WAGS on the 2005 Ashes tour.

According to the Daily Telegraph, partners of just over half the 16 - and their children - attended two sessions designed to help them cope with tensions on the road or being without their partners for long periods.

The WAGS will be with the team for the first two Tests in July, then another long separation from husbands, beaus and fathers begins.

Don't call me a WAG, says Furlong

Confidential has learnt one of the catalysts for the counselling sessions was following the Lords Test in 2005, when the cricketers, on returning to their hotel after celebrating their win, discovered their women in the middle of a heated argument.

A source said two senior players' wives had an argument - and other WAGS joined in.

"We walked into the foyer and all the partners were angry and upset with their hands on hips," a source said.

Pope said Furlong who is partner to Shane Watson and Bingle who is fiancee of Michael Clarke were unable to attend due to work commitments. (ANI)