Wednesday 12 June 2013 22:45, UK
Australia have dropped batsman David Warner after he physically attacked England batsman Joe Root in a bar.
A statement from Walkabout confirmed that Warner and Root were both in the bar between 1:30am and 2:30am on Sunday morning. They said neither looked to have been "drinking to excess". The statement said a "small altercation between Warner and Root" took place, but was "dealt with very amicably and quickly by the rest of the group, and both were calmly chatting to each other again immediately afterwards." The fact that a spokesman for Walkabout confirmed that Warner was known to staff, and had visited the establishment on consecutive nights could concern Cricket Australia prior to the Ashes, which begins on July 10 at Trent Bridge. Two years after losing their first home Ashes series since 1987 Australia stood down four players for the tour of India - which they lost 4-0 - for failing to do their homework. Since they arrived in England for the Champions Trophy they have lost against the hosts, captain Michael Clarke has continued to be dogged by back problems and now Warner's antics have overshadowed the team's preparations for the crucial game against New Zealand. Root has not pressed charges and England captain Alastair Cook had no problems with the fact that his players were out at such a late time. "You don't often get to win international games," Cook said. "We had two days off as a team. When the schedule allows and when it's within certain parameters it's good to let your hair down. "We are clearly disappointed that the incident has happened, but after investigating it from our side, we don't believe we have done anything wrong." Root trained with his team-mates on Wednesday and is available for England's Champions Trophy Group B game against Sri Lanka at the Kia Oval, Cook confirmed. "He seems fine, there is no physical injuries," Cook added. "He just wants to bury the matter. "He is an excellent young man, he has been excellent since coming in. It was unfortunate but he wants to put it behind him, it's important that he plays tomorrow."