Ashes 2025-26: Joe Root reacts to David Warner's 'surfboard' remark

The banter for the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 was well and truly on when former Australian opener David Warner made a controversial remark on star English batter Joe Root. Warner predicted that Root won't have best of the times playing Down Under, and would certainly feel the heat, when ace Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood marks his run-up against him.

Joe Root has responded to David Warner's remarks in relation to the former which were made a few days back in relation to Josh Hazlewood being a potential threat for Root and that Root would probably have it in his mind. Root is yet to score a Test ton in Australia. The former English Test skipper shrugged Warner's statements as some kind of pre-series banter.

“I can’t have any control on how people see the game or talk in interviews. You know there are going to be storylines and people wanting to hype up a big series. Doesn’t really change anything. The thing that stands out for me is I wanted it way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important,” stated Root, as quoted by BBC Sport.

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With 150-odd Tests under my belt, I feel couldn’t be more ready for it: Root

Root also seemed up to the challenge of yet another away Ashes series and felt as if he had got it in him to square off against the Aussies. In the 14 Tests which Root has played for England against Australia in Australia, he is yet to score a century. He has registered 892 runs in 27 innings, with the highest score of 89 at an average of 35.68.

“Clearly, the last few tours there have been loads of other things to contend with a lot of distractions. This time, I just want to go and enjoy the tour for what it is. It’s a beautiful country, great place to go and play cricket. It’s going to be hostile, everything you’d expect and want from an away Ashes series. That’s something you’ve got to relish. Going there with 150-odd Test matches under my belt, I feel couldn’t be more ready for it,” he added.

The Ashes will begin on November 21, with the first Test of the five-match series commencing at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The Boxing Day Test, like always, will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while the customary New Year's Pink Test will conclude the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.