Root and Warner end Ashes feud

All it took was a few drinks in The Oval dressing room after the Investec Test series for Joe Root and David Warner to end the simmering feud that burst into being on the last Ashes tour.

They were so proud of it, they even marked the occasion on Twitter, fists pointing to the camera, Warner grinning broadly while Root, who normally cannot keep a smile off his face, gave a strikingly poor imitation of a boxing tough guy.

Both elevated to their respective vice-captaincies, they had provided a picture to suggest that the game was in good hands.

That relaxed humour was very much in keeping with an Ashes series that has been contested in excellent spirits, with sledging within acceptable boundaries, and no signs of the boorishness that since the ICC took moves to stamp it out at the World Cup has largely receded.

Very good of the Aussie lads to come across for a drink and enjoy whats been a great series #rumbleintheashes pic.twitter.com/ebheQtsNr8

— Joe Root (@joeroot05) August 23, 2015

It all began on a fractious night in the Walkabout Bar in Birmingham when Warner was accused of making an "unprovoked physical attack" on Root following England's 48-run win over Australia in the Champions Trophy at Edgbaston.

After the ECB lodged an official complaint, Warner publically apologised for aiming a punch at Root but was suspended all the same by Cricket Australia.

Warner's attempts to explain his actions at the start of the Ashes series were bizarre: lots of stuff about how Joe Root had offended him by stealing the wig he was wearing and using it to do an impression of Hashim Amla.

Root responded: "Disappointing to have my character questioned - those who know me realise how ridiculous Warner's excuse for hitting me sounds but that's his choice to try and justify his actions."

As the story refused to go away, it was enough to make you squirm, but a few drinks after Australia won by an innings and 46 runs at The Kia Oval on Sunday, and England's winning margin was trimmed to 3-2, the path to reconciliation looked well and truly oiled.