‘He will have to take the surfboard...’: David Warner makes big remark on Joe Root’s record in Australia amidst 5th Test vs India

Former Australia opener David Warner pointed out that former England captain Joe Root who is currently the world’s no. 1 ranked Test batter is yet to score a century in the longest format on Australian soil. Root averages only 35.86 in Australia and will be looking for his first Test ton there. Warner took a dig at Root, highlighting the change he needs to make in his technique to do well in Australia.

What Warner said About Root?

“The big anchor there is Rooty (England batter Joe Root), who is yet to score a hundred in Australia. Josh Hazlewood tends to have his number quite a lot. He will have to take the surfboard off his front leg," Warner told Sky Sports Cricket.

Root recently became the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. He is only behind legendary Sachin Tendulkar who has most runs in Test cricket history.

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Hazlewood, Cummins’ Test record against Root

Australian pacers Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins have troubled Root the most. Hazlewood has dismissed him 10 times, while Cummins has got him out 11 times in Tests.

Apart from them, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah shares the record with Cummins as he has also dismissed the 34-year-old 11 times.

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What England need to do in Ashes 2025-26?

England’s record in the Ashes in Australia has been poor. Since the 2013 series, they haven’t won a single Test there. The scoreline stands at 13-0 in Australia’s favour at home, with just two matches ending in a draw.

“It all comes down to the bowlers. If the English bowlers can put a dent in the Australia top order then they will come into the contest," Warner added.

Root’s Ashes record

In 34 Tests against Australia, Root has amassed 2,428 runs at an average of 40.46, including four centuries and 18 fifties. However, in the 14 Tests he has played in Australia, his average drops to 35.68, with 890 runs across 27 innings. He has scored nine fifties but no centuries, his highest score on the Australian soil is 89.

Warner on representing London Spirit

Warner is currently in England preparing to represent the London Spirit in The Hundred 2025, starting August 5. The veteran left-handed batter aims to bring energy and intensity to the field and put on a show for the fans.

“London Spirit hasn't had much success in recent years. My goal is to bring energy and intensity to the group and reflect that on the field. At the end of the day, it’s about the fans and young kids who come to watch us, not about history,” Warner said.