Before the farewell Test series of David Warner against Pakistan last week, former Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson sparked controversy by criticizing the man harshly. Using his previous troubles in red-ball cricket as justification, Johnson launched an angry tirade against the Australia opener, questioning the decision to give David Warner a Test farewell. Johnson also accused Warner of denying responsibility for the 2018 ball-tampering fiasco. Johnson claimed that even after five years, Warner has not completely “acknowledged” his involvement in the controversy and that his goodbye remarks appear to be filled with “arrogance and disrespect” for the nation.
Johnson’s remarks sparked discussion on social media, with George Bailey, Australia’s head selector, and Usman Khawaja, Warner’s opening partner, supporting the senior batter from Australia. Although Warner has not commented on the topic thus far, Johnson was not the first to lash out at the Australian star; the former quick has previously attacked Warner’s selection for the Ashes in 2023.
Ricky Ponting Proposes Solution for David Warner vs. Mitchell Johnson Fued
Former captain of Australia Ricky Ponting has now spoken out about the acrimonious feud between the two national heroes, suggesting that he may need to “mediate” in order to defuse the tension. Ponting maintained that the public altercation between two of Australia’s top cricket players was not good for the game.
“At some point, I have to step in between these two people… Instead of letting the media play out their conflict, I believe I should step in as the mediator and bring them both into a room to air their differences. They’re both rather tough individuals, and we know that this problem that has arisen today dates back to the Ashes selection six or eight months ago,” Ponting said Sunrise. That was the beginning of it all. It seems like a problem that has persisted without either of them getting down on one knee and speaking with each other directly. “I hope that takes place,” he continued.
David Warner will be hoping that his bat will speak for Australia as they get ready for the first Test, which starts on December 14. This is similar to how it happened during the last World Cup in India, where his massive run total led Australia to a record sixth championship. With the exception of a spectacular double-century against South Africa in his 100th Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over a year ago, the Australian opener has struggled to score runs in the past few years.
But as has long favored Warner, there aren’t many contenders to replace him, and none of the traditional suspects have made a strong enough argument to unseat one of the finest openers in history.
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