A recent jibe from former Australian opener David Warner regarding Joe Root’s batting record in Australia has sparked a sharp retort from former England fast bowler Stuart Broad, setting an early tone for the upcoming Ashes series.
Warner’s “Surfboard” Dig at Root
David Warner, known for his direct style, recently took a swipe at England’s star batter, Joe Root, ahead of the highly anticipated Ashes tour down under. Speaking to BBC Sport, Warner highlighted Root’s unique distinction of not having scored a century in Australia, referring to him as “the big anchor there.”
The retired Australian great didn’t hold back, specifically referencing Root’s susceptibility to inswinging deliveries. He suggested that Root “will have to take the surfboard off his front leg,” a colorful way to describe a perceived vulnerability to being trapped leg before wicket (LBW), especially by Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood.
Warner also noted that Hazlewood has dismissed Root 10 times in Test matches, placing him almost on par with Pat Cummins and India’s Jasprit Bumrah in terms of claiming Root’s wicket. He concluded that England’s success in the Ashes would heavily depend on their bowlers’ ability to challenge Australia’s top order.
Broad’s Swift Retort
Stuart Broad, a long-time Ashes rival and former teammate of Root, was quick to leap to Root’s defense. Broad wasted no time in dismissing Warner’s “surfboard” comment on social media, expressing clear amusement and disbelief.
“I’ve never heard England’s best ever batters front pad called a Surfboard,” Broad tweeted. He also fact-checked Warner’s specific claim about Hazlewood, clarifying that Hazlewood has dismissed Root LBW only three times in Test cricket, not as frequently as implied.
Joe Root: A Tale of Two Forms?
Warner’s comments underscore a curious contrast in Root’s otherwise glittering Test career. While he has been incredibly prolific and record-breaking on home soil, his performances in Australia have historically been less dominant.
Root recently surpassed Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test matches played at home, amassing 7224 runs. Only Australia’s Ricky Ponting has scored more. He also moved past Ponting in the overall list of highest Test run-scorers globally, now sitting second only to Tendulkar.
Despite his undeniable brilliance and consistent form worldwide, a Test century in Australia remains an elusive milestone for the English captain, a fact Warner was keen to highlight.
Key Takeaways from the Exchange
- David Warner questioned Joe Root’s historical performance in Australia, specifically his lack of a Test century there.
- Warner used the vivid term “surfboard” to describe Root’s front-pad vulnerability to inswingers, particularly from Josh Hazlewood.
- Stuart Broad strongly defended Root, correcting Warner’s implied statistics on Hazlewood’s LBW dismissals.
- The exchange adds an early layer of intrigue and mind games ahead of the highly anticipated Ashes series.
As England prepares to tour Australia later this year, aiming to break a decade-long Ashes drought, this verbal sparring between past rivals only heightens the anticipation for what promises to be a fiery series on the pitch.
