Australian opener David Warner has compared the Ben Stokes bristol brawl to his 2013 infamous punch at Joe Root. Warner said that his violation was a lot less than what everyone has seen on the footage featuring England all-rounder Stokes. He was banned by Cricket Australia for the two practice matches along with the first two Test matches of the Ashes.

The southpaw also issued a public apology in London. Warner reckons that Stokes immediate future is up to the Police verdict as ECB will take the final call only after that, he said, “I did do my time. It was a lot less than what we’ve seen on that footage, that’s for sure. It’s up to them what they want to do – how they punish him [Stokes] and first of all it’s up to the police. Obviously with their investigation findings, to see what happens there. I think everyone in the world is waiting to see what happens there and what the outcome is.”

He further added, “I had to deal with the situation that I was dealt with. Does Cricket Australia regret that or not? I don’t know. I just copped it on the chin and moved forward. One thing they didn’t have was video footage, I’d still like to know where that is.”

Surprisingly, on that very Ashes tour, Warner shared a bond with Candice Falzon, who is now his wife. Somehow his career took a rise from there on, with runs flowing from his bat, and lot more discipline off the field too. He explained, “Each individual has their ups and downs – and that was my turning point. I can’t really speak about if it didn’t happen, what would have happened and where would I be. For me, it was one where I really turned the corner, knuckled down and worked my backside off to get where I was.”

Warner concluded, “I am fortunate enough that my wife came into my life at that time and really got me into a routine. What happened, happened, I dealt with the situation as it was dealt, copped it on the chin and moved on.”