England cricket star Joe Root has dismissed Australian batter David Warner‘s recent criticism about his batting technique as “all part of the fun” ahead of the upcoming Ashes series in Australia starting November 21. The comments come as England prepares for the crucial five-match tour following their 2-2 draw against India.The Ashes series holds significant importance for England’s chances in the ICC World Test Championship final. England is also looking to secure their first Ashes victory in Australia since 2011 and their first overall since 2015.Warner had targeted Root’s performance against Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, stating: “Josh Hazlewood tends to have his number quite a lot. He will have to take the surfboard off his front leg.” The comment referenced Root’s record against Hazlewood, who has dismissed him 10 times in 31 innings at an average of 31.40.Speaking to Sky Sports Root responded to Warner’s comments with composure, saying: “Just that. I have no control over how people perceive the game or discuss it in an interview. Nothing new, is it? You know there are going to be storylines and people wanting to hype up a big series. Does not really change anything. It is sort of irrelevant to me. What can I do about it? Just make sure it is not a talking point in six months or 100 days’ time.“The English batter further added: “When you get out there, you have to got to try and impact the game and help your team get off to a good start. Business as usual as far as I am concerned. I guess it is all part of the fun. We will see what happens out there [with Warner at Lord’s during The Hundred, where they are playing for Trent Rockets and London Spirit respectively]. It is not really in my nature to get too verbal.”
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Root’s performance in Australia has been notable despite not scoring a century there. He has accumulated 892 runs in 14 Tests and 27 innings, maintaining an average of over 35 with nine half-centuries and a highest score of 89.The pre-series verbal exchanges between players from both teams are considered a common strategy to create psychological pressure before the matches begin.Both Root and Warner will face each other at Lord’s during The Hundred tournament, where they represent Trent Rockets and London Spirit respectively, before the Ashes series begins.
