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Cricket News: Mitchell Johnson attacks David Warner ahead of Pakistan series in his column for The West Australian
Former Australia Mitchell Johnson has criticised David Warner in extraordinary fashion after the opener was picked for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. Warner previously earmarked the Pakistan series as his last, with the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) set to be Warner’s swansong. It is something Johnson is in opposition of, taking to his column in The West Australian to express his views.
And he certainly didn’t hold back. Johnson believes Warner should have called time on his Test career given he mediocre returns over the past few years. He even mentioned the ball-tampering scandal of 2018 and how he believes Warner never owned it.
“Does this really warrant a swansong, a last hurrah against Pakistan that was forecast a year in advance as if he was bigger than the game and the Australian cricket team?” Johnson wrote.
“It’s been five years and Warner has still never really owned the ball-tampering scandal.
“Now the way he is going out is underpinned by more of the same arrogance and disrespect to our country.”
Bunnings will sell out of sandpaper – Mitch Johnson lays into David Warner
“What will fans bring for Warner? Bunnings would sell out of sandpaper,” Johnson continued. The former left-arm quick also took aim at coach Andrew McDonald, whom Johnson believes has not kept his word on keeping players who are in form.
“Ultimately, an international cricket career is not just about your statistical achievements with bat or ball. How you held yourself and how you played the game will live long after you depart.
“Australia coach Andrew McDonald said recently they will be picking this summer’s Test squad based on current performances. It would be nice to know how long this strategy has been in place because it doesn’t seem to have applied to Warner for quite a while.”
“Now the way he is going out is underpinned by more of the same arrogance and disrespect to our country.”
Mitch Johnson on David Warner
Cameron Bancroft is considered the favourite to replace Warner as Test opener following the Pakistan series. The Western Australia opener has struck 1,457 runs in Sheffield Shield cricket since the start of last season at an average of 58.28. Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw are considered the other main contenders.
The first Test against Pakistan begins on December 14 at Perth Stadium.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
“This group, led by Pat Cummins, has built a strong resume over an extended period,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey.
“We believe they have earnt the opportunity to start in our first home Test match at the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle.”
