David Warner fires shots at Ben Stokes as Australian's fitness thrown into doubt

David Warner has accused Ben Stokes of letting England down through his Ashes absence. But the Australian opener has also seen his own participation in Thursday’s first Test thrown into doubt after suffering a neck injury during the host nation’s penultimate training session.

Warner, so important to Steve Smith’s team given his aggressive approach at the top of the order, suffered the knock when taking a high catch in practice at the Gabba and then aborted his subsequent net after just two balls when unable to get properly aligned at the crease.

But it did not stop the Australian vice-captain appearing for his scheduled media appearance after the home side completed their workout, where he decided to play a few shots on the subject of Stokes and the late night incident in Bristol two months ago.

The issue has dominated the lead-up the series locally, with curious rumours abounding in the Australian press that the all-rounder will indeed join the series at some stage, something seemingly fuelled by his recent re-emergence on social media but ultimately still hinging on the outcome of police investigations and England’s own disciplinary process.

Clearly hampered by his stiff neck, but determined to engage on the subject, Warner said: “I think it’s probably disappointing for the England team and the country. He’s let a lot of people down. I would have loved for him to be out here because I know what a competitor he is on the field.

“It’s obviously up to the English police first, with punishment or no punishment. At the end of the day, he knows he’s made a mistake and it’s about him getting that respect back from his players and fellow countrymen.”

Warner, who missed the first two Tests of the 2013 in England after a late night fight of his own, went on to say he wished Stokes well should he feature at some stage, couching his earlier assessment with words of respect about the all-rounder’s fiery nature and all-round prowess.

On his own fitness, the left-hander hoped 24 hours of intense physiotherapy and heat treatment would allow him to bat in the nets on Wednesday before taking his place at the top of the Australian order alongside debutant Cameron Bancroft.

England’s own injury doubt – Jake Ball – trained in full on Tuesday after suffering a sprained ankle during the second warm-up match, with team-mate Moeen Ali effectively confirming the Nottinghamshire seamer’s inclusion in the side when he spoke to the assembled media.

Asked whether the issue of Stokes has been a distraction for the England, not least since the all-rounder has begun posting videos of his training at Durham on Instagram in the past week, Moeen replied: “It’s exciting that he’s back batting and bowling. There’s every chance he won’t be here at all. If he comes it would be a massive bonus for all of us. We don’t see it as a distraction.”