David Warner and Mitchell Johnson, former teammates from Australia, are currently involved in a bitter controversy.
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David Warner and Mitchell Johnson, once teammates on the Australian cricket team, are presently caught up in a heated controversy. In his column, Johnson claimed that Warner’s inclusion in the Test series against Pakistan was not based on his form but rather on the fact that he planned to retire after the series. The former Australian fast bowler also asserted that chief selector George Bailey’s close relationship with the players was influencing his selection decisions. As a result of this controversy, the two former teammates were supposed to confront each other during the first Test in Pakistan, but it seems that won’t be happening anymore.
Earlier, Johnson announced his participation in the Triple M commentary team for the Test series. However, the company’s official list of commentators, released on Tuesday, did not feature his name. Instead, it included renowned figures such as Merv Hughes, Wasim Akram, and Mark Taylor.
Two days after Mitchell Johnson criticized former teammate and current Australia opener David Warner, the former pacer disclosed the reason behind his outburst.
Johnson, who strongly criticized the Australian opener, while also bringing back the ball-tampering controversy, asserted that Warner doesn’t merit a “hero’s sendoff,” particularly about the Pakistan series being his last.
The 42-year-old also criticized Australia chief selector George Bailey for continuing to select Warner despite his recent poor performances.
Johnson disclosed that earlier this year, Warner texted him after he wrote a column on the left-handed batsman’s wife, Candice, defending her husband’s position in the team.
Although he didn’t delve into the specifics of Warner’s “quite personal” text message, Johnson acknowledged that it, along with the ball-tampering scandal, was one of the reasons behind his column in the West Australian.
Although he didn’t delve into the specifics of Warner’s “quite personal” text message, Johnson acknowledged that it, along with the ball-tampering scandal, was one of the reasons behind his column in the West Australian.
“I received a personal message from Dave. I attempted to call him to discuss it, as I’ve always been open to communication. I’ve made it clear to the guys that if I’m in the media and expressing opinions that you disagree with, just come and talk to me,” stated the former Australia pacer on The Mitchell Johnson Cricket Show.
“It wasn’t a personal matter until this point. This is probably what compelled me to write the article, at least in part. It was certainly a factor. Some of the things said in that, I won’t repeat. I believe it’s up to Dave to share if he wants to discuss it. However, there were some highly disappointing and frankly, bad things said,” he added.
