Mitchell Johnson and David Warner
- Warner dismisses Johnson’s criticism as typical “cricket summer” news.
- His focus is on the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.
- He credits a strong work ethic to his parents.
David Warner, the left-handed opener for Australia, finally spoke out on the remarks made by former pitcher Mitchell Johnson, stating that a cricket summer has its news.
Johnson’s remarks were disregarded by Warner, who affirmed that he and the squad are fully concentrated on the forthcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan, which kicks off in Perth on December 14.
“A cricket summer needs its headlines. That’s just the way it goes. Everyone can have their say. But looking ahead, we’re focusing on a good Test out west,” Warner said to the reporters.
The 37-year-old continued by saying that his parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a disinterest in what the media says.
“I connect with my roots. Growing up was wonderful with my parents, who instilled the value of hard work in me every day. As you step onto the global stage, you don’t grasp what comes with it, media scrutiny, and criticism, but also numerous positives. What truly matters is what you witness today, people rallying to support cricket, Australian cricket, and the sport in general. It’s fantastic,” he added.
In addition, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting expressed his opinion on the two’s ongoing dispute and offered to arbitrate.
It should be recalled that Johnson, an Australian representative in 256 international games, had expressed doubts about Warner’s treatment by the selectors in spite of his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering controversy.
“It’s been five years and David Warner has still never really owned the ball-tampering scandal,” Johnson wrote. “Now the way he is going out is underpinned by more of the same arrogance and disrespect to our country.
“As we prepare for David Warner’s farewell series, can somebody please tell me why?”
Warner, who has struggled to get runs in red-ball cricket over the past two years (average of 26.74), was only able to gather 285 runs at an average of 28.50 in 10 innings during the 2023 Ashes.
Johnson found it incomprehensible that a player receiving a hero’s send-off for his self-announced retirement and severe struggles in Test cricket
“Why a struggling Test opener gets to nominate his retirement date. And why a player at the centre of one of the biggest scandals in Australian cricket history warrants a hero’s send-off?” he added.
