Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has laughed off David Warner’s latest dig at Joe Root, labelling the former Australian opener “a bit of a clown” and insisting that such remarks won’t unsettle England’s star batter. The comments came after an online back-and-forth between Stuart Broad and Warner reignited pre-Ashes banter well ahead of the 2025 series.
Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, Moeen made it clear that Root is far too seasoned to be rattled by verbal jabs. “He’s just being Warner. He’s trying to get into Rooty’s head, which he won’t. He’s not into the whole banter thing. It’s just Warner, isn’t it?” Moeen said with a chuckle.
Moeen, who has shared countless dressing rooms with Root, explained that sledging only works on certain personalities, and Root is simply not one of them. Pointing to Root’s outstanding form in the recently concluded Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy—where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer—Moeen highlighted his teammate’s ability to rise above distractions.
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“Rooty’s scored so many runs now, he’s been through it all. India tried it, and it didn’t work—he still piled on the runs. There are players you can get to, but Root’s not one of them,” Moeen Ali said.
The Ashes may still be months away, kicking off in November 2025, but the mind games have already started. Warner’s sledge targeted Root’s inability to score a Test century in Australia, claiming his “surfboard” front-pad stance leaves him vulnerable to inswingers and nip-backers—particularly from Josh Hazlewood.
“The way he brings his bat down on Australian pitches can bring him undone. I’ve seen it before,” David Warner said during the Hundred. “I think he might have nightmares about Hazlewood—like me with Broady. Joe’s a hell of a player, but I’m sure he’d like that hundred in Australia. It’s one that’s eluded him.”
Broad was quick to counter, pointing out on X that Hazlewood has only dismissed Root lbw three times in Test cricket, effectively deflating Warner’s argument.
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With two months to go before the first ball is bowled, Moeen’s confidence reflects England’s relaxed mindset. For him, this early war of words is just noise—something Root is well equipped to block out. If history is any guide, the former England captain will aim to silence critics in the best way possible—by letting his bat make the loudest statement when the Ashes battle begins Down Under.
