Former Australian opener David Warner has ignited the pre-Ashes mind games, asserting that England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ strategy will not sway the outcome. Warner firmly backed Australia to defend the coveted urn on home soil, suggesting the visitors are playing for ‘moral victories’ while his team targets the Ashes itself. Speaking at a recent cricket event, Warner confidently predicted a 3-1 series win for Australia, even hinting that a potential absence of captain Pat Cummins from the opening Test wouldn’t significantly alter the predicted result.
England’s recent Ashes record in Australia is stark; they haven’t secured a series win since 2015 and haven’t won a Test match Down Under since 2011. Warner elaborated on his ‘moral victory’ comment, stating, “The Australian way because we’re playing for the Ashes and they’re playing for a moral victory. There’s your headline.” He further refined his prediction to a dominant 4-0 win, accounting for a potential draw. Warner also advised his compatriots to avoid provoking England’s captain, Ben Stokes, recognizing him as a formidable player and leader. He believes antagonizing Stokes could inadvertently energize the opposition, emphasizing that while banter is part of the game, it shouldn’t be directed at the English skipper. Warner also weighed in on Australia’s batting lineup, advocating for Marnus Labuschagne’s proven Test record and supporting young opener Sam Konstas’s inclusion, despite recent form dips, citing his potential and a century in a recent Australia A match.