Sunday 5 July 2015 14:09, UK
England batsman Joe Root has hit back at David Warner over the Australian batsman’s “ridiculous” explanation for punching him two years ago.
Warner chose to talk in detail about the incident which occurred in a Birmingham bar in June 2013 for the first time on Saturday, just a few days before the start of the Investec Ashes Series.
Warner admitted “aggression and alcohol” played a part in the “unprovoked physical attack” on Root in the wake of Australia’s 48-run defeat by England in the Champions Trophy at Edgbaston.
However, the Aussie opener claimed the Yorkshire star’s behaviour sparked the incident when he took a green and gold fancy dress wig that his friend was wearing.
The 28-year-old said he took offence when Root placed the wig on his chin, believing he was mocking South African batsman Hashim Amla.
“I just think in today’s society you shouldn’t be fooling around with that kind of stuff,” Warner told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Warner, who also claimed he saw England bowler Steven Finn "asleep in the gutter" as he left the Walkabout bar, was subsequently suspended for the first two Tests of that summer's Ashes series, which England won 3-0.
Root reacted to Warner’s explanation by hitting back on Twitter and said he was looking forward to facing Australia in the first Ashes Test which starts on Wednesday in Cardiff.
“Disappointing to have my character questioned - those who know me realise how ridiculous Warner's excuse for hitting me sounds,” Root tweeted.
“But that's his choice to try and justify his actions. I'm just extremely excited about next week and getting back out there.”
Watch the first Test of the Ashes series live on Sky Sports 2 on Wednesday from 10am
