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Warner’s Surfboard Jibe Fuels Pre-Ashes Mind Games as Root Remains Unfazed

The Hundred showdown has become a psychological stage for the Ashes buildup, with experts endorsing Root, spotlighting England’s new win-driven Bazball style

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England's Joe Root celebrates after reaching his century in the fifth test against India at the Oval, London, in August 2025.  Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs/File Photo
Joe Root is yet to score a Test ton in Australia.
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Overview

  • Former Australia opener David Warner taunted Joe Root in The Hundred by saying he must “take the surfboard off his front leg” to counter Josh Hazlewood’s dominance.
  • Root brushed off the dig as “all part of the fun,” deeming it irrelevant and reaffirming his commitment to performance over publicity.
  • Ex-Australia coach Darren Lehmann hailed Root as a “superstar” and predicted he will finally score a Test century on Australian soil.
  • Australian spinner Nathan Lyon praised England’s Bazball approach for shifting its focus toward securing victories rather than mere entertainment.
  • A five-match Ashes series between England and Australia will begin on November 21 in Perth, where the unfolding mind games are set to continue.