MELBOURNE: David Warner has shrugged off Mitchell Johnson’s withering criticism of his selection in Australia’s Test squad as a “headline” for the home summer, saying his former team-mate is entitled to his opinion.

In an incendiary column Johnson questioned Warner’s place in the side for the Pakistan series, citing his waning output in Test cricket in recent years.

Johnson also said Warner had not taken full responsibility for the 2018 Newlands ball-tampering scandal and questioned whether he should be given a “hero’s send-off” in the third Test in Sydney, which the lefthander has nominated as his last.

“It would not be a summer of cricket without a headline,” War­­ner said at a broadcaster event in Sydney on Friday. “Everyone is entitled to an opinion. But moving forward, we are looking to a nice Test over in the west.”

Johnson’s comments triggered a fierce reaction in Australian media, with some pundits condemning the former Test quick.

He later revealed his column in the West Australian newspaper was motivated in part by a personal spat with Warner and expressed regret for some of the content.

Team-mates Usman Khawaja and Glenn Maxwell threw their support behind Warner this week, and captain Pat Cummins said the squad had rallied around the batter.

“I think we protect each other a lot. We have been through a lot over the years,” Cummins told reporters at the event.

“I’ve played alongside someone like Davey or Steve (Smith) for a dozen years now. (We are) fiercely protective of each other.

“It is hard to say (what Johnson’s motivation is). You have to ask Mitch. But there are so many things we should be celebrating about Australian cricket at the moment.”

Cummins also defended selector George Bailey, who Johnson said was too close to Warner and the players in general.

“George has been fantastic,” said Cummins, who led Australia to a record-extending sixth one-day World Cup title in India three weeks ago.

“I have never seen a selector be as hands-on and as impressive as George has been.”

Australia play the first of three Tests against Pakistan in Perth from Dec. 14.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...