Former teammate Mitchell Johnson slammed David Warner’s selection for Australia’s Test series against Pakistan on Friday, stating, “Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions.”
Johnson slammed Warner in a newspaper editorial when he was selected for the three-match home series beginning next week, which is anticipated to be his final Test.
Johnson questioned why Warner, 37, should be given a “hero’s send-off” considering his recent dismal Test form, citing Warner’s major part in the 2018 “Sandpaper-gate” ball-tampering affair.
For their roles in the infamous event, Steve Smith and Warner were both banned for a year.
“It wouldn’t be summer without a headline,” Warner quipped at a kickoff event for Fox Sports’ summer cricket coverage.
“That’s what it is. Everyone has the right to their own views. But, moving forward, we’re hoping for a good Test in Australia’s west.”
The first Test begins on December 14 in Perth, then moves to Melbourne and eventually Sydney, where Warner hopes for an emotional farewell in front of his home fans.
Following Johnson’s remarks, Warner’s long-time opening partner Usman Khawaja backed him up, adding that “no one is perfect,” and allrounder Glenn Maxwell also backed him up.
Australian captain Pat Cummins claimed the team was “fiercely protective” of the 109-Test veteran, who has been a staple in the side for 12 years.
“I believe we help one other a lot. “We’ve been through a lot,” he stated, sitting next to Warner at the same televised event.
“I’ve been playing with guys like Davey and Steve [Smith] for a dozen years now. [We] are extremely protective of one another.”