Everyone in the world is waiting for the verdict on Ben Stokes: David Warner

Australian vice-captain David Warner has recently compared the Ben Stokes’fight-night’ incident to his 2013 infamous punch at Joe Root. Warner said that his transgression was a lot less than what everyone has seen on the footage featuring England all-rounder Stokes. The opener was banned by Cricket Australia for the two practice matches along with the first two Test matches of the Ashes.

The left-handed batsman also issued a public apology in London. However, there was no footage of the incident involving Warner and Root and no such police investigation took place. Warner feels that Stokes immediate future is up to the Police verdict and then it is for the ECB to make a decision.

“I did do my time. It was a lot less than what we’ve seen on that footage, that’s for sure,” Warner said in Sydney. “It’s up to them what they want to do – how they punish him [Stokes] and first of all it’s up to the police. Obviously with their investigation findings, to see what happens there. I think everyone in the world is waiting to see what happens there and what the outcome is.

“I had to deal with the situation that I was dealt with. Does Cricket Australia regret that or not? I don’t know. I just copped it on the chin and moved forward. One thing they didn’t have was video footage, I’d still like to know where that is.”

Interestingly, on that very Ashes tour, Warner bonded with Candice Falzon, who is now his wife. Somehow his career took a rise from there on, with runs flowing from his bat, and lot more discipline off the field too.

“Each individual has their ups and downs – and that was my turning point,” Warner said. “I can’t really speak about, if it didn’t happen, what would have happened and where would I be. For me it was one where I really turned the corner, knuckled down and worked my backside off to get where I was.”

“I am fortunate enough that my wife came into my life at that time and really got me into a routine. What happened, happened, I dealt with the situation as it was dealt, copped it on the chin and moved on.” he added.