There still may be time for The Ashes to commence, but the mind games have well and truly begun. Former Australia cricketer David Warner has now taken a veil dig at England team ahead of the highly-important five-match Test series that is set to commence from November 21. He stated that the hosts will dominate with their style of play as Ben Stokes & Co. are only playing for 'moral victory'.
“The Australian way because we’re playing for the Ashes and they’re playing for a moral victory. There’s your headline," Warner said, speaking to Kayo Sports.
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Warner also gave his prediction for the series and claimed that Australia will win the series comfortably by 4-0. However, he also expressed concerns with Pat Cummins' fitness issues and stated that England may go on to win one match if the Australia skipper is unable to participate.
“I’ll just stick with 4-nil. I think 4-nil. There’s going to be a washout somewhere; it’s generally Sydney. “4-nil. It’s going to be a great series. All dependant on the captain (Pat Cummins). If the captain doesn’t play, they might win one game. If Cummo’s (Cummins) there, 4-nil. If not, they probably win one game only," Warner remarked.
Warner on Ben Stokes
On the other hand, Warner also warned Australia to not try to rile up Ben Stokes during the series as they may end up regretting it later on. He pointed out how Stokes has evolved into a serious cricketer and a great captain especially in the last few years.
“I had the fortunate privilege to share a change room with him when he was younger and he has evolved into a serious cricketer and a fantastic leader. If we can sort of not poke that bear and get him up and about, I think that will help the Australians enormously. But I do want to see some bantering out on the field and I want to see them going at each other a little bit – obviously not at Stokes – because that is what creates that energy and involvement in the game," he said.
What are Australia and England's upcoming fixtures?
Meanwhile, both Australia and England will be participating in white-ball series ahead of the commencement of The Ashes. While the Baggy Greens are set to take on India in a three-match ODI and five-match T20I series, the Three Lions are set to tour New Zealand for a three-match T20I and ODI series each.