Howzat? Warner suspended until Ashes opener after Joe Root punch-up

AUSTRALIA batsman David Warner has been suspended until the first Test of the Ashes and fined £7,000 for his bar-room attack on England’s Joe Root.

Warner pleaded guilty to breaching Cricket Australia’s code of behaviour during the incident, which occurred in Birmingham’s Walkabout theme pub in the early hours of Sunday morning following England’s 48-run win over their old rivals at Edgbaston.

Warner had faced the possibility of being sent home and missing the remainder of the English summer, but despite being banned from the remainder of the Champions Trophy and both Ashes warm-up matches, he will be available for the series opener at Trent Bridge next month.

The disciplinary hearing, which took place via teleconference, was chaired by Justice Gordon Lewis, CA’s senior code of behaviour commissioner.

A statement released by the governing body read: “Cricket Australia advises that David Warner has been suspended and fined for breaching the Cricket Australia Code of Behaviour.

“At a hearing tonight, Warner pleaded guilty to breaching Rule 6: Unbecoming Behaviour. CA Senior Code of Behaviour Commissioner, The Hon. Justice Gordon Lewis AM, fined 11,500 Australian dollars (£7,000) and suspended from the remainder of Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign as well as the Australian team’s two tour matches before the first Ashes Test against Somerset and Worcestershire.

“Warner will be eligible for selection for the first Test.”

The punishment makes questionable sporting sense, not least because Warner’s chances of making the final XI for the first Test against England will be severely, if not fatally, hampered by his lack of competitive action beforehand.