Root hits back at 'ridiculous' comments

Star batsman Joe Root, a key figure in England's quest to regain the Ashes this winter, has responded to David Warner’s version of events from their infamous altercation at a Birmingham nightspot two years ago, which saw the opener miss the opening two Tests of the 2013 series – a series Australia would go on to lose 3-0.

Speaking to Fairfax Media, Warner explained that following a loss to England in the opening round of the 2013 Champions Trophy, he and some teammates decided to visit the popular Walkabout Inn next to the team hotel. At one point, members of the victorious England side - Stuart Broad, Steven Finn and Joe Root - also arrived at the establishment.

"(There) were little things going on throughout the night,” Warner said, before explaining the object that sparked the confrontation was a green and gold wig and Root’s positioning of it on his chin, which Warner interpreted as being insulting to South Africa's bearded batsman Hashim Amla.

"A mate of mine was actually wearing it on top of his head like a Malinga wig,” Warner said. "That's what it was.

“He was wearing it on his head and (Root) decided to come in and take it off my mate's head and start acting the way he did.

"When people are drunk that's what they do but I thought it was a bit inappropriate the way he went about that stuff so I went over and tried to take it off him.

"I just think in today's society you shouldn't be fooling around with that kind of stuff.

"And he probably didn't mean anything by it at all but I just thought ... actually I can't say I thought ... I probably let my aggression and alcohol take over there and probably made an excuse for me to go over there and actually take it off him."

Joe Root then took to Twitter overnight to air his grievances over Warner's comments.

"Disappointing to have my character questioned," he wrote. "Those who know me realise how ridiculous Warner's excuse for hitting me sounds… but that’s his choice to try and justify his actions. I’m extremely excited about next week and getting back out there."

Australia’s quest to reclaim the urn in England for the first time in 14 years kicks off Wednesday night, and you can follow all the action LIVE on cricket.com.au.

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