Former Australian opener David Warner has issued a warning to England, captained by Ben Stokes, ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes series to be held later this year. The left-handed batsman said Australia’s focus is on winning the upcoming series, while England will play for a “moral victory”.
There is just over a month left for the first Ashes Test in Perth and tensions are already rising between Australia and England. The English cricket team, which has not won a Test in Australia since 2011, is facing scrutiny over its “baseball” approach, which is expected to be a key talking point during the series.
They’re playing for a moral victory – David Warner
David Warner, who predicted Australia would win the series 3-1 if Pat Cummins did not play in the first Ashes Test in Perth, took a dig at England ahead of the series.
Speaking at the Kayo Sports and Fox Sports Summer of Cricket launch in Parramatta, Warner said Australia are determined to claim the Ashes, adding that England are only focused on scoring a “moral victory”.
“The Australian way because we’re playing for the Ashes and they’re playing for a moral victory. That’s your headline,” Warner said.
It was the English players who first used the term “moral victory” during the 2023 India series. Jack Crawley and Harry Brooke joked that draws could be considered a moral victory after dominating matches, leading to light-hearted banter within the cricket community.
The privilege of sharing the changing room with Ben Stokes – David Warner
David Warner advised Australia not to provoke England captain Ben Stokes. He emphasized that Stokes is a tremendous cricketer and an excellent leader. Warner said that avoiding unnecessary confrontation with Stokes could be beneficial for the Australian team.
Warner further added, “I had the privilege of sharing the changing room with him when he was younger and he has developed into a serious cricketer and a fantastic leader.”
“If we can’t kill that bear and pick it up, I think that would be a great help to Australians,” he said.
Don’t want to see some fun outside – David Warner
Warner said he enjoys watching the banter and competitive energy between players on the field, but said Ben Stokes should not get involved in such exchanges. He also expressed hope that Australian players will play a leading role in creating that intensity.
“But I want to see some banter on the field and I want to see them attacking each other – obviously not Stokes – because that’s what creates the energy and participation in the game,” Warner said.
“I think that’s where the war of words comes in. Normally it’s someone like me who’s starting it, but I’d like to see someone else in the (Australian) camp start something, whether it’s Headey or someone else.”
The Ashes series begins in November and the excitement is building. Fans can expect a competitive and intense encounter, with England looking to challenge Australia at every opportunity.
Also read: Pat Cummins keeps England guessing about their Ashes future
