Melbourne: Australian batsman David Warner was axed on Wednesday from the Champions Trophy match against New Zealand and might face stricter action after being involved in an “unprovoked” physical altercation with an England player, believed to be Joe Root.
Warner acted as 12th man during the rained-out match against the Kiwis. His role in the playing XI was taken by Glenn Maxwell.
“Cricket Australia (CA) advises that Australian batsman David Warner has been stood down from Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand (on Wednesday) after being reported for breaching the CA Code of Behaviour,” CA said in a statement.
Warner has been reported for breaching Rule 6 relating to “unbecoming behaviour” after he was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with an England player in the early hours of Sunday morning following the Champions Trophy match between the teams in Birmingham.
A local radio reporter said he believed the incident tood place in a bar in the centre of Birmingham.
“There was a private VIP area and some of the Australia players were in there. The three England players, Joe Root, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes, were some way away and were larking around – wearing silly wigs and that.
“I understand Warner took umbrage and went over to Root and glanced him on the chin.
“I am hearing that Broad put his arm around Root as soon as it happened and said ‘time to go back to the hotel’ and I am also told that they were not worse for wear.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board also came out with a statement on the incident but it did not name Root as the other player.
The ECB, however, insisted that Warner’s attack was unprovoked.
“Following a statement issued this morning by Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirms that David Warner initiated an unprovoked physical attack on a member of the England team in a Birmingham bar following England’s 48 run victory over Australia,” the ECB said.
“Warner has admitted behaving inappropriately and has since apologised to the player involved who has accepted the apology. Following a full investigation the England team management has concluded that the England player was in no way responsible for nor retaliated to the attack,” it added.
England captain Alastair Cook also came out in defence of his team mates during a press conference ahead of the team’s match against Sri Lanka, saying that the squad had not done anything wrong and deserved to celebrate their victory on the night in question.
“Our conduct as England players is vitally important,” the 28-year-old said. “We are aware of the position we hold as players. It is a matter we have taken seriously as well.”
“We didn’t have training for a few days, so we had a couple of days off.
“You do not often get those in a tournament, so it is important you let your hair down and celebrate wins.”
“Team management have stood down Warner pending the outcome of the hearing, meaning he will miss Australia’s match against New Zealand in Birmingham tonight,” CA said.
“Rule 6 states: Without limiting any other rule, players and officials must not at any time engage in behaviour unbecoming to a representative player or official that could (a) bring them or the game into disrepute or (b) be harmful to the interests of cricket.”
CA will convene the Code of Behaviour hearing as soon as possible.
Details will be provided once the time and date is confirmed.
“CA will not be making any further comment until after the hearing,” it said.
Warner, who played for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL, most recently hit the headlines after being fined 5,750 Australian dollars (Rs 3.17 lakh) last month for breaching CA’s code of behaviour following his Twitter rant against two journalists during the tournament in India.
He subsequently apologised for it but insisted that he did that to defend himself.
Warner has been struggling for runs since arriving in England, having made ducks in both the Champions Trophy warm-up games and 9 in the loss to England. (PTI)