‘They play for moral victories!’- David Warner mocks England before Ashes

Cricket’s oldest rivalry is heating up once again. With the Ashes just weeks away, David Warner has fired the first shots, taking a cheeky dig at Ben Stokes and his England team.

Speaking at a cricket event in Parramatta, the former Australian opener said, “We play for the Ashes, and they play for a moral victory.” The 38-year-old, who retired from Tests earlier this year, smiled as he added, “There’s your headline.”

Warner’s comments have kicked off the usual pre-Ashes banter between the two sides. He also encouraged Australia’s current players to keep the tradition alive by engaging in on-field battles.

“I want to see someone like Heady or others start something. A bit of banter brings energy and involvement in the game,” Warner said.

The five-Test series begins on November 21 in Perth, and Warner believes Australia will remain favourites, even if Pat Cummins’ fitness is tested.

Warner warns Aussies not to ‘poke the bear’

While Warner enjoys a bit of verbal warfare, he also cautioned his countrymen about provoking England captain Ben Stokes. “I’ve shared a dressing room with him when he was younger.

He’s evolved into a serious cricketer and a fantastic leader. If we can avoid poking that bear, it’ll help the Australians,” Warner said.

His “moral victory” remark is seen as a reference to the 2023 Ashes in England, where the series ended 2-2 and Australia retained the urn.

England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ style drew both praise and criticism, and Warner’s jibe adds spice ahead of the rematch.