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David Warner: 'No excuse for throwing a punch at Joe Root'

Warner: 'No excuse for hitting Root'
© AP Photos
David Warner says that he was "totally out of line" to punch England batsman Joe Root in the face while in a bar in Birmingham.

Australia opening batsman David Warner has apologised publicly to England's Joe Root for attempting to strike him in the face while in a bar in Birmingham.

The 26-year-old has been suspended by Cricket Australia until the first Ashes Test in July following the incident, which occurred following his nation's defeat to England in the ICC Champions Trophy group match last Saturday.

"The incident that occurred, I had struck Joe Root in the face, and I'm here today to put my hand up and apologise publicly to Joe," Warner said in a press conference. "I'm extremely remorseful, I've let, not just my teammates down, but the Cricket Australia fans, the support staff, myself and my family.

"I've accepted [the suspension]. It's up to me now to do what I can to help out the team and progress in the Champions Trophy and a great preparation leading to the Ashes.

"I had a couple of drinks but there's no excuse for that. I did what I did and it's totally out of line. I've exchanged text messages with Joe and he's accepted my apology, which I'm grateful for. I've done the wrong thing and I'm here to move on."

Warner was also fined £7,000 for the incident.

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Australia's David Warner on day two of their third Test against Sri Lanka, January 4, 2013
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