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- By Gurmeet Batra
- Thu, 14 Aug 2025 02:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
England vs Australia Ashes Series: England's talisman batter Joe Root has dismissed David Warner's mind games, labelling the former Australian opener's provocative jibe as "all part of the fun" ahead of the Ashes tour.
Warner, who retired from international cricket last year, called out Root’s lackluster show in Australia, noting how Aussie star pacer Josh Hazlewood would target his front pad again.
Root brushed off Warner's comments, describing them as pre-series banter aimed at the highly anticipated Ashes series. Talking candidly about his form, Root discussed his century drought in Australia, stating that he had tried to overexert in the previous two series.
“Just that. I can’t have any control over how people see the game or talk in an interview. Nothing new, is it? You know there are going to be storylines and people wanting to hype up a big series. Doesn’t really change anything. The thing that stands out for me is that I wanted it way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important. Clearly, the last few tours there have been loads of other things to contend with... a lot of distractions,” Root was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
However, despite his prolific career on different countries' soil, Root's record in Australia is underwhelming with 892 runs from 14 Tests (27 innings) at an average of 35.68, including nine half-centuries.
“This time, I just want to go and enjoy the tour for what it is. It’s a beautiful country, a great place to go and play cricket. It’s going to be hostile, everything you’d expect and want from an away Ashes series. That’s something you’ve got to relish. Going there with 150-odd Test matches under my belt, I feel I couldn’t be more ready for it,” he added.
The hotly anticipated Ashes 2025-26 will start from November 21 in Perth as Ben Stokes-led England aim to end their victory drought in the country.