It is always upsetting to see a fine athlete engaging in conflict on or off the pitch but who would have thought that this moment of nonsense could have happened of a Cricketer’s own volition? From an ambassador of what is a highly regarded gentleman’s game.
Unfortunately, on Saturday night poor old Joe Root was subject to a knock on the chin by the feisty Australian David Warner, potentially symbolising the attacking prowess that the Aussies would wish to resemble when they come to Trent Bridge in less than a month’s time.
After Warner seemingly span right out of reason Root was led back to his hotel by Stuart Broad, deciding not to engage in irrational forms of behaviour and retaining his etiquette; choosing to abstain from retaliation. I’m sure it was the last thing on the English gents’ minds when they went out to relax after a vigorous amount of work without rest since the 13th May.
For the England team this event may be a welcome break to relieve stress levels as it shows an element, even if it is solely restricted to Warner, of discontent within the Australian team as to their poor performances of late; an element of the game that the England team will have to remain modest about and treat with severity and care, concentrating on building on this minor upset from the boys down under without becoming too comforted by this minor slip.
As punishment for his misconduct Warner is subject to suspension from playing until the first Ashes test match at our very own Trent Bridge; a suspension that will prevent him from competing in the remainder of his county’s Champions Trophy Campaign. Not an ideal situation for the Australian set-up. Only time will tell whether he gets a place in the first test match but it is clear to see that any initial participation in representing his country will be in severe doubt.
As for England the emphasis will be on dismissing what has happened and remaining focussed on the final steps to Champions Trophy success. Our players may not be boxers but they sure know how to play cricket.
Kieran Matthews