David Warner Labeled ‘Clown’ for Attempting to ‘Get Into Joe Root’s Head’ Ahead of Ashes: ‘Obviously Trying to…’

Moeen Ali labels David Warner a “clown” for attempting to unsettle Joe Root ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.

Ashes Mind Games Heat Up as Warner Targets Joe Root, Moeen Ali Calls It Out

With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy concluded, attention now shifts to the highly anticipated Ashes series beginning November 21 in Perth, where Ben Stokes’ England will face Pat Cummins’ Australia. Though the series is still months away, the psychological battle has already begun, with former Australia opener David Warner attempting to unsettle England captain Joe Root.

Warner pointed to Root’s struggle to score a Test century in Australia as a key weakness and suggested he would find it tough, especially against fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. However, England’s Moeen Ali dismissed David Warner’s remarks, calling him a “clown” for trying to get into Root’s head.

“He’s just being Warner. He’s a bit of a clown, to be honest with you. He’s obviously trying to get into Rooty’s head—which he won’t. He’s not up for the whole banter thing. It’s just Warner, isn’t it?” Ali said on the Beard Before Wicket podcast.

Ali also highlighted that India’s sledging during the recent series failed to rattle Root, who remained composed even when provoked by Prasidh Krishna in the Oval Test.

“Rooty’s scored so many runs now, he’s been through the whole thing, and it won’t affect him. India tried it, and it just didn’t work—clearly didn’t—because he scored loads of runs. But yeah, there are some players you can do that to, and others you can’t,” Moeen added.

What did David Warner say?

Recently, David Warner commented on Joe Root’s Test record in Australia, highlighting the right-hander’s struggle to score a century on Australian soil. Warner likened Root’s batting stance to a “surfboard,” suggesting it makes him susceptible to Josh Hazlewood’s inswingers.

“The way that he brings down his bat playing on Australian wickets, it can bring him undone, and I’ve seen it in the past. I think he will have nightmares before he gets over there about Josh Hazlewood. A bit like me and Broady,” Warner said while speaking at the Hundred.

“Joe is a hell of a cricket player, look at the runs he has scored, the second leading run-scorer in the world. But I’m sure he’d like to score a hundred in Australia. It’s one that has eluded him. I think that will be on his mind, so we will have to wait and see,” he added.

In response, England’s Stuart Broad defended Root, pointing out that Hazlewood has dismissed him only three times in Tests, downplaying Warner’s critique.

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