Cricket
Thank God Mitchell Johnson isn’t a Test selector: David Warner’s manager slams former pacer
[ad_1]
David Warner’s manager, James Erskine, has slammed the statements made by Mitchell Johnson about the Australian opener ahead of the series against Pakistan and claimed that he is missing the logic.
Johnson has been vocal in his criticism of Warner’s impending retirement from Test cricket. Johnson’s remarks have stirred controversy as Warner prepares to conclude his Test career following the series against Pakistan. The crux of Johnson’s critique revolves around two main points: Warner’s recent form and his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal known as ‘sandpapergate’.
Johnson has openly questioned why Warner, whom he describes as a “struggling Test opener,” is being allowed to “nominate his own retirement date” and why he seems to be receiving a “hero’s send-off.” He expresses disbelief that Warner, who has averaged below 30 in his last two years of Test cricket, is being celebrated despite his central role in the 2018 ball-tampering incident during the South Africa series. Johnson asserts that Warner has “never really owned” his part in the scandal, which resulted in a 12-month ban for Warner and tarnished the reputation of Australian cricket.
Furthermore, Johnson has suggested that Warner’s planned farewell, which appears to be set for a final Test in Sydney, is marked by the same “arrogance and disrespect” that characterized the 2018 incident.
As quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald, Erskine labelled Johnson as ‘naive’ and claimed that Warner’s selection is logical as the replacements are yet to prove themselves.
Erskine said Warner has been in good form after his exploits in the World Cup and joked that it is good Johnson isn’t a Test selector.
“Let me tell you, anyone can get a headline. The fact is [Warner’s selection] is just logical,” said Erskine. “The three [replacement] candidates will be [Matthew] Renshaw, [Cameron] Bancroft – who has played pretty well in the Sheffield Shield – and [Marcus] Harris. Now they’ve all had spells opening the batting for Australia.”
“David is in good form. Thank God Mitchell Johnson isn’t a Test selector.”
[ad_2]