Ashes: England's Ben Stokes has let a lot of people down - David Warner

Australia vice-captain David Warner has scored 20 centuries in 66 Test matches

Australia opener David Warner says that England all-rounder Ben Stokes has "let a lot of people down".

Stokes, 26, was arrested in September on suspicion of actual bodily harm after an incident outside a Bristol nightclub.

With the first Ashes Test due to get under way on Thursday at 00:00 GMT, Stokes remains in the UK awaiting the result of a police investigation.

"It's disappointing for the England team and the country," said Warner.

"I would have loved for him to be out here because I know what a competitor he is. He's a world class player."

England will be without Stokes for the first Test in Brisbane, with the Durham man made unavailable for selection by the England and Wales Cricket Board "until further notice".

"He knows he's made a mistake and it's about him getting that respect back from his players and fellow countrymen," added Australia vice-captain Warner, who himself was suspended in 2013 after punching England batsman Joe Root on a night out in Birmingham.

• Lyon hopes Australia will 'end careers' of England players

• Stumped podcast: Inside the Gabbatoir

• How to follow the Ashes on the BBC

On the prospect of Stokes joining the England team at some point during the five-Test series, the left-hander added: "Firstly it's up to the English police.

"If he does come out here we'll wish him well. We're all sportsmen and we're trying to achieve the same thing, that is to win. I wish everyone good luck."

Warner only faced two deliveries in the nets on Tuesday after suffering a neck injury during fielding practice.

He said that his neck felt "stiff", but that it was unlikely to prevent him from playing in the first Test.

From England's perspective, former captain Alastair Cook said the tourists have accepted it is "unlikely" that Stokes will join the tour.

"You can't always pin your hopes on one guy," said Cook.

"If there is a bonus of him making the trip at some stage, that would be great, but I can honestly say it hasn't been spoken about in the changing room."

Lyon comments 'made Cook chuckle'

Alastair Cook averages 49.53 in Test cricket in Australia

On Monday, Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon said he hoped the hosts could end the careers of some of the England players.

Cook, who was England skipper when they were beaten 5-0 four years ago, said the comments "made him chuckle".

"It's really strange," said the opener. "Nathan was the first person I saw when I got to the ground and I had a really nice 10-minute chat with him - he was asking me how my kids are.

"All the talking will stop very quickly and it will become a normal series after about two hours of play. We'll be talking about cricket rather than the off-field stuff."

Cook is one of five members of England's 2013-14 touring party set to play at the Gabba on Thursday, with Australia fielding three survivors from four years ago.

In that series, England's batting was decimated by Mitchell Johnson, who took 37 wickets.

"Mitch was outstanding, one of the best periods of bowling I've ever faced, and he was backed up by Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle," Cook, 32, added.

"But they are no longer playing, so in that sense it is irrelevant. England have won four of the past five Ashes series - you can look at that how you want."