Joe Root Responds to David Warner's Comments Ahead of Ashes Series
Root Dismisses Warner's Remarks as Part of the Game
Joe Root, the star batter from England, has brushed off former Australian player David Warner's recent comments, labeling them as merely 'part of the fun' as they gear up for the crucial Ashes series in Australia starting November 21.
This five-match tour is pivotal for England's chances in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, especially following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against India. Additionally, England aims to reclaim the Ashes in Australia for the first time since 2011 and their first overall since 2015. Root, who has yet to score a Test century in Australia, will need to deliver exceptional performances.
Warner's Critique of Root
During the recent home series against India, Warner took a jab at Root, a common tactic used by both teams to unsettle each other before the series begins.
"Josh Hazlewood has had a lot of success against him. He'll need to adjust his stance," Warner remarked, highlighting Root's struggles against the Australian bowler, having been dismissed by him 10 times in 31 innings at an average of 31.40.
Root's Reaction to Warner's Comments
In a statement reported by Sky Sports, Root responded, "I can't control how others view the game or what they say in interviews."
"This isn't anything new. There will always be narratives and hype surrounding a significant series. It doesn't affect me. I can't change it. My focus is on ensuring it doesn't become a talking point in the future," he added.
"When I step onto the field, my goal is to influence the game positively and help my team start strong. It's business as usual for me. I suppose it's all part of the excitement. We'll see how it plays out when Warner and I meet at Lord's during The Hundred, where we will be playing for Trent Rockets and London Spirit, respectively. I'm not one to engage in too much banter," he concluded.
Although Root has yet to score a century in Australia, he boasts a respectable record with 892 runs in 14 Tests and 27 innings, averaging over 35, including nine half-centuries, with a highest score of 89.