There is something ”not right” about their old enemies Australia, following the late-night ”unprovoked” assault of England cricketer Joe Root by Australian opener David Warner.
The environment of the Australian team must no longer be healthy and enjoyable given the surprise retirement of Michael Hussey. The emotions are high against the ”old enemy’ it seems there are divisions in the Oz camp, including on the field.
Sometimes things may get heated up, specially when two opposing teams are in a bar as it is the nature of playing a top-level sport. The hype of playing against Australia is magnified for England either while winning or losing.
The Warner incident is similar with the late-night scuffle between former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds and England’s Steve Harmison after England beat Australia in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy. The difference was that the former incident was hushed up while the later incident made the front pages.
Warner in my views is ‘having a screw loose for punching Root. It is all the more disappointing and shameful as Root did not have any blame. As a sportsman representing his country, a player needs to manage his actions and reactions at all times. Warner should have stayed away from alcohol if he is unable to manage himself under its influence. And as a captain, Michael Clarke should have been there watching his team as it was Australia’s first game of the summer against England despite his injury.
Blaming Clarke or Australian coach Mickey Arthur for the incident would be wrong. Its a thing to admire for Warner’s feisty personality and talent, punching an opposing player is stepping over the line, especially given the amount of cricket that England and Australia would be facing together.
