Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has lashed out at David Warner, who is all set to appear in his farewell Test series against Pakistan.
Australia is scheduled to play a three-Test home series against Pakistan from December 14. His third of this Test was played at Warner’s home base of Sydney at his cricket ground and is expected to be the last Test match of the 37-year-old opening batsman’s career.
Johnson, who has shared the Australian dressing room with Warner for more than six years, has been criticized for expressing a desire for a farewell Test and accused Australian selection of giving him a farewell by sending him off. The committee chose a Test series against Pakistan. .
Earlier this year, ahead of the World Test Championship final against India, Warner said he expected the Sydney Test against Pakistan in January 2024 to be his last. In his Sunday column in theWest Australian, Johnson wrote that Warner’s pursuit of the farewell Test was due to the same arrogance that led to the infamous ball and the Australian He wrote that it arose out of contempt for 2018 Tampering Scandal.
“Five years have passed and David Warner still hasn’t fully grasped the ball-tampering scandal,” Johnson wrote. “His current actions are fueled by the same arrogance and contempt for our country. As we prepare for David Warner’s farewell series, could someone please tell us why? ”
Johnson pointed out that Warner had been out of the Test cricket squad for a long time and was still under a lifetime coaching ban. “Why would a player who was struggling in the opening game of the Tests declare his retirement?” asked Date. And why should the player at the center of the biggest scandal in Australian cricket history be farewelled as a hero?
“Warner is certainly not Australia’s Test captain and never will be.” In fact, he had his career brought to an end by a permanent ban from leadership. Yes, he has a decent overall record and some say he is one of our best opening batsmen. However, his last three years in Test cricket have been normal, with batting averages roughly in line with what Taylor was happy with.
“Sure, he scored his second century against South Africa at the MCG last summer, but those were the only goals he’s scored in recent years.The opening game of this year’s Ashes series was… It was the only time he reached fifty in his last 17 Test innings.”
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Johnson reiterated Warner’s role in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal and questioned whether Warner was bigger than the game. “The shame of ball cheating in South Africa will never be forgotten by many.
“Warner was not alone at Sandpapergate, but he was a senior member of the team at the time and someone who was willing to use the power of being perceived as a ‘leader.'”
“Is this really the swan song, the last hurray against Pakistan, predicted a year in advance as if it were bigger than the game or the Australian cricket team?”
Mr Johnson also questioned the role of chief selector George Bailey. He wrote that Bailey was too close to the team and players. “Warner’s treatment in recent years, having played with Bailey in all three formats, has raised questions about whether Bailey simply took the job too quickly from the game and became too close to some players. .”
“I’m also curious about what role the Chief Selector is playing these days.It seems like it’s becoming part of the Holy of Holies, rather than standing apart from it. Now players can throw shots, play golf together, and celebrate wins for hours.”
It is important to highlight that Bailey has been Australia’s main selector for the past two years and has won ICC tournaments in each of the three formats during that time.
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