After criticising Australian opener David Warner and chief selector George Bailey, former pacer Mitchell Johnson gained notoriety. Warner will play the next three Test matches against Pakistan at home before saying goodbye to the red-ball format.
Johnson, who won the 2015 ODI World Cup with Warner, expressed shock at being able to choose his final destination. Johnson chastised the little batsman for not taking responsibility for the ‘Sandpaper Gate’ controversy and questioned his place in the Test team given his lack of consistency in the format in recent years.
Following Johnson’s harsh criticism, Warner’s manager, James Erskine, has defended the southpaw and given an explanation for why the selection of him for the Test team is appropriate. It’s a good thing Johnson isn’t a selector, Erskine quips.
I’ll tell you what: anybody can make headlines. The truth is that [Warner’s choice] makes sense. Matthew Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, who has performed admirably in the Sheffield Shield, and Marcus Harris will be the three replacement contenders. They have all now had stints as Australia’s opening batsmen. David is performing well. Thank heaven Mitchell Johnson isn’t a selector for the Test team,” Erskine was reported by the Sydney Morning Herald to have said.
David Warner had an incredible 2023 ODI World Cup campaign.
During the just-finished ODI World Cup 2023, the 37-year-old was playing brilliantly. He was the sixth-highest run scorer at the conclusion of the competition. Warner scored 535 runs at a 48.64 average and 108.29 strike rate in 11 games. Throughout the tournament, he amassed two hundred and two fifties, and he was one of Australia’s most impressive players as they won a record-breaking sixth ODI World Cup.
Warner wants to have a successful final Test match. The first test is scheduled to start in Perth on Thursday, December 14. The third and final Test match is slated to take place in Sydney, while the second Test will take place in Melbourne.