Australia’s Warner stood down after attack on England player

Batsman David Warner is being investigated by Cricket Australia after an "unprovoked physical attack" on an England player – believed to be Joe Root.

The incident took place in a Birmingham bar in the aftermath of England’s 48-run win over Australia at Edgbaston.

Warner was stood down from today’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand as a result, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirming that he had “admitted behaving inappropriately and has since apologised to the player involved”.

The ECB also stated that their player, who remains officially un-named, was in no way culpable for the incident and did not retaliate.

Warner has been charged with breaching Rule 6 of Cricket Australia’s Code of Behaviour, relating to ‘unbecoming behaviour’.

His place on the forthcoming Ashes tour is now in serious doubt and the 26-year-old faces an anxious wait over any disciplinary action.

The ECB said: “Following a statement issued this morning by Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirms that David Warner initiated an unprovoked physical attack on a member of the England team in a Birmingham bar following England’s 48-run victory over Australia.

“Warner has admitted behaving inappropriately and has since apologised to the player involved who has accepted the apology.

“Following a full investigation the England team management has concluded that the England player was in no way responsible for nor retaliated to the attack.

“ECB has concluded that this is a matter for Cricket Australia and have no further comment to make.”

Details of Warner’s indiscretion came to light when CA confirmed the charge against him.

Their statement read: “Cricket Australia advises that Australian batsman David Warner has been stood down from Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand tonight after being reported for breaching the CA Code of Behaviour.

“Warner has been reported for breaching Rule 6: Unbecoming Behaviour after he was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with an England player in the early hours of Sunday morning following the ICC Champions Trophy match between the teams in Birmingham.

“Team management have stood down Warner pending the outcome of the hearing, meaning he will miss Australia’s match against New Zealand in Birmingham.

“CA will convene the Code of Behaviour as soon as possible. Details will be provided once the time and date is confirmed.

“CA will not be making any further comment until after the hearing.”