Marcus Trescothick calls David Warner’s ‘war’ comments ‘pathetic’

After a poor run of results in away trips that saw the Aussies draw the Test series with Bangladesh and lose the ODI series against India, they look hungry for a win back at home as they prepare for the Ashes against England. Australian vice-captain David Warner seemed charged up for the series and went as far as to brand the series as a ‘war’, claiming that he would channel his ‘hatred’ for the opposition to bring in the extra motivation when facing them.

"I'll be doing everything I can to make sure that when we're out there, we've got a lot of energy and lot of buzz. Whether that's being vocal or with my intent batting and in the field. When it comes to the Ashes, it's a massive thing for us,” said Warner.

The hostile attitude hasn’t gone down well with the former England greats, who were quick to reply. Speaking to BBC Sport, former England opener Marcus Trescothick said, “I don't think they will get that involved. To come out with those sort of comments is not needed. There's always the hype that comes around before the Ashes, so I don't think it's something the players will be drawn into.”

“I think it will just be a good distraction, hopefully, for Australia and they can get caught up in the war of words. I think it's pathetic." 

Michael Vaughan and Geoffrey Boycott didn’t stay quiet either as they resorted to social media expressing their disgust with the comment. 

Vaughan, on the other hand, asked Warner sarcastically to get ready with tanks and ammunition.

However, Warner came back to it later saying that Australian cricket misses the aggression and on-field antiques that are being taken out of the game by ICC slowly. He said, “I used the word 'hatred' the other day. But some dislike, make things a little bit uncomfortable for blokes when they're out there. I think that's something that has sort of fallen out from our game, with bowlers not being able to stare at batters when they bowl a good ball.”

“Obviously we can't overstep the mark, but we just have to be cautious because sometimes the ICC and umpires take action over little things you do on the field,” Warner said.

With England winning the Ashes last year at their backyard, Australia will be desperate to make things even. And Trescothick believes that the ongoing dressing room turmoil and uncertainty with combinations would make things difficult for England down under.

“We're a little bit unsettled as a team, obviously with the (Ben) Stokes affair going on, and there are a few issues in the batting line-up which they need to get sorted. The combination of being that little bit not quite ready in what their team selection makes it quite tricky going into that environment because it's quite harsh, it's quite tough,” said Trescothick.