'I'm a walking headline': David Warner doubles down on Ashes barb after awkward Stuart Broad exchange

David Warner has doubled down on his Joe Root sledge and fielded questions from long-time rival Stuart Broad in an awkward moment in London.

The retired Australian great caused a stir in England last weekend when he called out Root's shortcomings in the Ashes, most notably struggling against Josh Hazlewood.

Warner described Root's front pad as a "surfboard" as he looked to add some spice to what promises to be a gripping five-game series between the two powerhouse nations.

READ MORE: Tubby tells ICC to make radical Test change despite thriller

READ MORE: Aussie 'favourite' eyeing Olympic comeback after injury battle

READ MORE: 'Three reasons' behind Katoa call that could cost him millions

While he's setting the scene for a series he won't even be involved in, the 38-year-old is also part of The Hundred competition on UK soil with the London Spirit - but that clearly hasn't stopped "The Bull" from throwing out barbs when necessary.

"I'm a walking headline," he told BBC Sport pre-game.

"I think it's our job as cricketers to build up a series. Root is a hell of a player and to try to distract him before he gets to Australia, that would be fantastic."

Warner was also forced into a tricky situation prior to the game when speaking to Sky Sports when he was face-to-face with Broad, who had fired back at Warner's comments last weekend in defence of his former teammate in Root.

"I have to ask - do you always call your pads surfboards or do you save that for Rooty?" the legendary England seamer asked.

Warner brought up Broad's social media post and said he would revisit it post-game.

"You've got to understand that I'm small, so I tend to say they are surfboards," he said.

"I liked your [post] but I forgot to tweet back actually, I will do that after the game." 

The three-time Allan Border Medal winner was also asked about the reception he has received so far from English fans after a testy relationship over the years.

"It's been awesome, I haven't heard any jokes yet," Warner said.

Broad quickly replied and said "they will come" which Warner acknowledged was a fair chance of happening once he was playing away from London.

Warner failed to fire on the field for the Spirit, dismissed for 9 off 10 deliveries as the Oval Invincibles completed a dominant six-wicket win at Lord's.