Root disappointed by Warner comments

England batsman Joe Root says David Warner was wrong to question his 'character' in an article regarding their 2013 bar-room clash.

Joe Root has come out swinging in response to David Warner's take on their bar-room clash during the 2013 Ashes.

On Twitter that is.

Warner revisited the turning point of his cricket career in a recent interview with Fairfax Media, noting it was a "glancing blow" that resulted in him missing the first two Tests of that series.

The aggressive opener, who is currently abstaining from alcohol, also expressed contrition for the "quite childish" misdeed.

However, he attempted to detail the frustration that Root caused he and some teammates that night.

Root was clearly shocked to read it.

"Disappointing to have my character questioned - those who know me realise how ridiculous Warner's excuse for hitting me sounds" he posted on Twitter.

"But that's his choice to try and justify his actions. I'm just extremely excited about next week and getting back out there."

Former England offspinner Graeme Swann also voiced his displeasure.

"Just read David Warner's laughable excuse for whacking rooty a couple of years back. What utter nonsense," he tweeted.

Warner detailed how he was out with some teammates in Birmingham during the Champions Trophy, when England players Root, Stuart Broad and Steven Finn wanted to join them at around 1am.

"We had a place sectioned off for us and they decided to come in ... obviously not part of our group," Warner said.

"It was more me giving marching orders in a way.

Warner noted there were "little things that were going on throughout the night" that led to him striking Root, but wouldn't list all of them.

Root positioned a green-and-gold wig on his chin, which Warner interpreted as mocking South Africa batsman Hashim Amla, and that was the final straw.

"A mate of mine was actually wearing it on top of his head like a (Lasith) Malinga wig, that's what it was," he said.

"He was wearing it on his head and (Root) decided to come in and take it off my mate's head and start acting the way he did.

"When people are drunk that's what they do, but I thought it was a bit inappropriate the way he went about that stuff so I went over and tried to take it off him."

Warner also quipped he noticed Finn was "asleep in the gutter" when the Australians left The Walkabout.


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3 min read

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Source: AAP


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