'Opener' Root dismisses Warne's ' crucifixion at Gabba ' suggestions

Young England batsman Joe Root has laughed off suggestions by Australian spin legend Shane Warne that he may be 'crucified' by the hosts during the winter Ashes series, beginning on November 21 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Warne said that Root could face a 'crucifixion' during the first Ashes Test if his technique is exposed to Australian bowlers Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson with a new Kookaburra ball, and also argued that the batsman should drop down to the middle order to allow Michael Carberry to open with skipper Alastair Cook.

However, Root dismissed the 'lurid' suggestions, quipping that he believes that Warne has never said anything nice about an England touring team, and hinted that Warne might be biased towards the Australian cricket team.

Root further said that the Australians had a very distinctive way of attacking their arch-rivals England in the media when they toured the country this summer, adding that this is one of the ways that Australia, and Warne, goes about 'things'.

Agreeing with Root, summer Ashes hero Ian Bell said that there is no point wasting energy trying to find compliments from Australians, adding that certain 'former players' will continue to have their say.