Quote from Alex bobby on August 14, 2025, 4:02 AM

Warner’s Ashes Jibe ‘Part of the Fun’ – Root Focused on Breaking Australia Century Drought

In the build-up to one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries, the Ashes, the verbal sparring has already begun. Former Australia opener David Warner, never shy of a cheeky sledge, recently teased England star Joe Root about his record Down Under, suggesting he might need to “take the surfboard off his front leg” to avoid being trapped lbw this winter.

Root, however, is taking it in stride. Far from being ruffled, the 34-year-old insists Warner’s quip is “all part of the fun” that comes with Ashes cricket. “I can’t have any control or say on how people see the game or talk in an interview,” Root said. “It is irrelevant. What more can I do about it? Just keep my surfboard out the way and make sure it is not a talking point in 100 days’ time.”

The pair will cross paths before the Ashes even begin, with Root’s Trent Rockets facing Warner’s London Spirit in The Hundred at Lord’s on Thursday. But Root is not planning any verbal retaliation. “I guess it is all part of the fun, right? We will see what happens but it is not really in my nature to get too verbal,” he said.

A Record Root Wants to Change

Root’s record in Australia is respectable but, by his lofty standards, far from exceptional. In 14 Tests on Australian soil, he has amassed nine fifties but has yet to raise his bat for a century. His average there—35.68—is significantly lower than his career mark of 51.29. For a player who has defined consistency for over a decade, the lack of a hundred in Australia is one of the few gaps in an otherwise glittering résumé.

Yet, this winter offers a new opportunity. England will head Down Under in November aiming to reclaim the Ashes for the first time since 2015. Root will be central to that bid, especially after a stellar summer in which he scored 537 runs in five Tests against India, cementing his position as one of the game’s modern greats. He also climbed to second place in the all-time Test run-scorers list, behind only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

Experience as an Edge

Root believes that, this time, he is better equipped than ever to succeed in Australia. “Having played in Australia a couple of times before, now going with 150-odd Test caps under my belt, I feel I couldn’t be more ready for it,” he said. “The thing that stands out for me is I probably wanted it [a century] way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important.”

On his past tours, Root faced circumstances that went beyond cricket. In 2017-18, England’s Ashes campaign was overshadowed by off-field controversies, including the Jonny Bairstow “headbutt” incident and the fallout from Ben Stokes’ absence after a well-publicised altercation. Four years later, in the 2021-22 series, the Covid pandemic brought bio-bubbles, restrictions, and mental fatigue—factors that weighed heavily on players’ performances.

“There were a lot of distractions,” Root admitted. “I was captain, Covid [during the 2021-22 defeat], there was the Stokes incident the time before that, the Jonny headbutt incident as well. This time I want to just go and enjoy the tour for what it is. It is a beautiful country, it is a great place to go and play cricket. I know if I put my best performances in then everything else will look after itself.”

Warner vs Root: Rivalry in Perspective

While Warner’s comment might grab headlines, it is rooted in the banter that has long been part of Ashes tradition. Over the years, sledging—sometimes playful, sometimes pointed—has been used to unsettle opponents and set the tone for the contest. Warner, a veteran of many Ashes campaigns, knows exactly how to stir the pot.

Root, however, is not taking the bait. His measured response reflects a maturity shaped by over a decade in international cricket. Instead of firing back, he is focusing on preparation, form, and mindset. In doing so, he avoids the distraction that often comes with verbal duels, preferring to let his bat do the talking.

England’s Road to the Ashes

Winning the Ashes in Australia is one of cricket’s toughest challenges. England last achieved it in 2010-11, under the leadership of Andrew Strauss, with a squad that boasted prime form from the likes of Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, and James Anderson. Since then, the Aussies have dominated at home, winning the past two series 4-0.

Under the current regime, England have adopted a more aggressive “Bazball” approach, led by head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. Root, freed from the responsibilities of captaincy, has thrived in this environment, playing with more freedom and flair. His role this winter will be pivotal—not only as a run-scorer but also as a senior figure in the dressing room.

Looking Ahead

Root’s determination to finally register a century in Australia is clear. But equally clear is his intent to enjoy the experience without letting personal milestones overshadow the bigger picture. “This time I want to just go and enjoy the tour for what it is,” he reiterated. That mindset could prove decisive—not only for Root’s individual performance but for England’s overall campaign.

Warner’s jibe may have added a spark to the build-up, but for Root, it is simply noise. The real statement will come in November, when England and Australia step out for the first ball of the Ashes. If Root can translate his recent form into runs on Australian pitches, he might not only silence Warner’s quip but also play a defining role in an Ashes triumph nearly a decade in the making.

conclusion

In conclusion, Joe Root is approaching this Ashes series with a blend of maturity, confidence, and determination that comes from over a decade at the top of the game. David Warner’s lighthearted sledge may have set the pre-series banter in motion, but Root’s focus is firmly on preparation and performance rather than verbal jousting. Free from the burdens of captaincy and with a clear plan to enjoy the tour, Root has his best chance yet to break his century drought in Australia. If he can do that while leading England’s batting charge, he could turn Warner’s jibe into little more than a humorous footnote in a victorious Ashes campaign.