Australia batsman David Warner has spiced up the war of words before Thursday's opening Ashes Test by telling England fast bowler Stuart Broad to "stop having a sook".
Warner, who has earned a bad boy reputation for punching England batsman Joe Root in a nightclub and engaging in a Twitter war with journalists, has also taken a pot shot at England batsman Kevin Pietersen and his ego.
Broad has gained notoriety in Australia after he refused to walk after being caught off a thick edge during the last series in England, and has been a constant talking point in the lead-up to the Gabba Test.
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He reacted angrily on Twitter on Monday to accusations he took offence to some choice words from members at the Sydney Cricket Ground last week during a tour match.
Broad strongly denied two spectators were ejected at the request of the England team, but Warner said he needed to lighten up.u00a0
"He's already complaining and having a sook (sulk)," Warner told reporters Wednesday, using an Australian term for someone who is acting like a cry-baby.
"He can expect a lot. If you have a good laugh and enjoy it, people get behind you. "That's what happened with me in England."
Warner was given a roasting by England supporters and gave it back to them in Manchester during the July-August series, his first match since being suspended for punching Root in a Birmingham nightclub.
Warner was also forthright when asked for his take on Pietersen ahead of his 100th Test match at the Gabba.
"He's already talking his garbage, but that's how he is," Warner said. "He lets his ego take over and he thrives on that.
"We're here to spoil it (Pietersen's 100th Test) and I reckon we will." England captain Alastair Cook gave his support to Broad, saying he liked his feisty style.
"He's a very combative character, he's an in-your-face type of cricketer. I like that about him," Cook said Wednesday. "Anytime you set him a challenge he has stood up and delivered.
"He's done that a number of times for an England team. He's got the ability to change games very quickly. He's had a good preparation, he looks in fine fettle with the ball and he's raring to go."
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