David Warner, the Australian cricket legend, has once again stirred the pot ahead of the highly anticipated Ashes 2025 series. In a recent interview, Warner took a subtle jab at Joe Root, England's star batsman, suggesting that Root needs to adjust his technique if England hopes to succeed in Australia.

Warner's Critique of Root

Warner, who retired from international cricket last year, is currently in England playing for London Spirit in The Hundred. He didn't miss the opportunity to comment on Root's performance in Australia, where the English batsman has yet to score a century.

"The big anchor there is Rooty, who is yet to score a hundred in Australia," Warner told BBC Sport. "Josh Hazlewood tends to have his number quite a lot. He will have to take the surfboard off his front leg."

Root's Challenge in Australia

Root, currently the number one Test batter in the world, is crucial to England's hopes of reclaiming the Ashes urn for the first time in a decade. However, his record in Australia is less than stellar, having been dismissed 10 times in 18 Tests by Josh Hazlewood, one of Australia's premier seamers.

Warner emphasized the importance of England's bowlers in the upcoming series. "If the English bowlers can put a dent in the Australia top order, then they will come into the contest," he said.

Warner's Return to English Cricket

Warner is set to make his Hundred debut in the tournament opener against Oval Invincibles on Tuesday. He could also face Root's Trent Rockets at Lord's on 14 August. This marks Warner's first appearance on English soil since the final day of the 2023 Ashes, where he received a warm ovation from the crowd at The Oval.

"I was touched by that," Warner said. "It is a credit to the supporters of cricket in England, who love the game."

The Hundred and Beyond

Warner's stint with London Spirit also brings him face-to-face with another Ashes rival, James Anderson, who was a late pick for Manchester Originals. Reflecting on the prospect of facing Anderson, Warner noted, "They are 2025 white cricket balls, not 2018 red Dukes. It is going to be a bit different."

Looking Ahead

As England prepares for the Ashes, the focus will be on whether Root can overcome his struggles in Australia and lead his team to victory. Meanwhile, Warner's presence in The Hundred adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, as fans eagerly watch how these cricketing giants perform in the lead-up to the Ashes.

Key Takeaways:

• Warner criticizes Root's performance in Australia.
• Root's record against Hazlewood is a concern for England.
• Warner's return to English cricket adds intrigue to The Hundred.
• The Ashes 2025 promises to be a thrilling contest between two cricketing powerhouses.