SYDNEY: David Warner has fired the first verbal volley of this winter’s much-anticipated Ashes Test series, saying the Aussies will use their “hatred” of England to help them reclaim the urn.
The first ball will not be bowled for another five weeks, but such is the rivalry between the two teams that hostilities usually break out early. And this time it is Warner who has bowled the first bouncer, describing the historic series as “war” and revealing his plans to get under the skin of the England players.
“As soon as you step on that line it’s war,” the opening batsman said.
“You try and get into a battle as quick as you can. I try and look in the opposition’s eye and try and work out ‘how can I dislike this player, how can I get on top of him?’
“You’ve really got to find that spark in yourself to really take it to the opposition.
“You have to delve and dig deep into yourself to actually get some hatred about them to actually get up when you’re out there. History is a big part in this and that is what carries us onto the ground.”
Warner is no stranger to dishing out pointed comments. While the 30 year old has mellowed in recent years he is still remembered for punching current England captain Joe Root before the 2013 Ashes clash and for comments made about Jonathan Trott during the series that followed in Australia later than year. He described the England batsman’s innings in Brisbane as “poor and weak” — just a few days later Trott left the tour suffering from a stress-related illness.
This time around, though, Warner insisted he will be more subtle in trying to annoy the English.
“Four years ago, during that first Test I made some statements in the media and at the time I thought it was a great thing to come out and speak what I said,” he said.
“I have no regrets about that and I think that could have played a little bit of a role in the back of their minds.
“At the moment I’m not going to put any vibes out there or get into a verbal (battle). But come day one when we walk out there, there will definitely be some words exchanged. But I think the subtle approach these days is how it is and how it goes.”
Warner begins Ashes war of words with ‘hate’ jibe
Warner begins Ashes war of words with ‘hate’ jibe
Al-Hilal win tightens Saudi Pro League title race
- The 3-2 victory over Al-Khaleej leaves Al-Hilal a single point behind Riyadh rivals Al-Nassr, who play on Saturday
DUBAI: The gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League table was cut to just one point on Friday night, following Al-Hilal’s 3-2 win over Al-Khaleej.
Simone Inzaghi’s team leapfrogged Al-Taawoun into second place to remain the closest challengers to Al-Nassr in the title fight, with the leaders set to host Al-Okhdood on Saturday.
Al-Hilal opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Mohammed Kanno met Hamad Al-Yami’s lay-off on the edge of the penalty area, his long-range shot beating Al-Khaleej goalkeeper Anthony Moris at his left-hand post.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic doubled the lead on 39 from Malcom’s assist to leave the visitors with a mountain to climb in the second half. Al-Hilal looked to have secured all three points comfortably when Malcom made it 3-0 on 57 minutes, but Al-Khaleej had other ideas.
Joshua King’s goal on 79 minutes looked to be nothing more than a consolation, but five minutes later Al-Hilal were left sweating after Giorgos Masouras cut their lead to a single goal. The visitors’ revival was short-lived, however, with no more additions to the score.
The defeat leaves Al-Khaleej in eighth place, with three matches still to be played on Saturday.
Earlier on Friday, Al-Taawoun briefly climbed to second place in the table after an away win against Al-Kholood at Al-Hazem Stadium. Their goals came from Christopher Zambrano after 22 minutes and a William Troost-Ekong’s own goal in the 75th; Al-Taawoun ended the match with 10 men after Muteb Al-Mufarrij was sent off in stoppage time, but the three points were already secured.
Al-Hilal’s win later in the day meant Al-Taawoun dropped to third, while Al-Kholood sit in 12th.
The first match of the day saw Al-Fateh shock reigning Asian champions Al-Ahli with a 2-1 win, after falling behind at home to Valentin Atangana’s 22nd-minute goal. However, the home team turned the match around with two goals from Maria Vargas either side of half time.
The win saw Al-Fateh rise to 14th while Al-Ahli stayed in fourth.
