Former England captain Michael Vaughan has said that there is something 'not right' about their old enemies Australia, following the late-night 'unprovoked' assault of England cricketer Joe Root by Australian opener David Warner.
Stating that the environment of the Australian team must no longer be healthy and enjoyable given the surprise retirement of Michael Hussey, Vaughan said that emotions are high against the 'old enemy', adding that there are divisions in the Oz camp, including on the field on Saturday at Edgbaston, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
However, Vaughan admitted that sometimes things may get heated up, specially when two opposing teams are in a bar as it is the nature of playing a top-level sport, adding that the hype of playing against Australia is magnified for England either while winning or losing.
Pointing out the similarity of the Warner incident with the late-night scuffle between former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds and England's Steve Harmison after England beat Australia in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy, Vaughan, however, said that the difference was that the former incident was hushed up while the later incident made the front pages.
Slamming Warner as 'having a screw loose' for punching Root, the batting icon said that it is all the more disappointing and shameful as Root did not have any blame, adding that as a sportsman representing his country, a player needs to manage his actions and reactions at all times.
Stating that Warner should have stayed away from alcohol if he is unable to manage himself under its influence, Vaughan further said that as a captain, Michael Clarke should have been there watching his team as it was Australia's first game of the summer against England despite his injury.
However, Vaughan refused to blame either Clarke or Australian coach Mickey Arthur for the incident, adding that although he admires Warner's feisty personality and talent, punching an opposing player is stepping over the line, especially given the amount of cricket that England and Australia would be facing together.