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Mitchell Johnson and David Warner (Source: Twitter)
As Australia is set to host a much-awaited Test series against Pakistan, star batter David Warner is set to retire from Test cricket. Despite Warner's subpar performance in Test cricket recently, he was selected for the Test series against Pakistan, drawing criticism from former Australian star Mitchell Johnson.
In his column, Johnson launched a pointed critique at Warner, expressing disapproval over the southpaw getting a chance in his farewell series despite both his lacklustre form and his involvement in the sandpaper gate scandal. "As we prepare for David Warner's farewell series, can somebody please tell me why?" Johnson wrote in his column for The West Australian.
"Why does a struggling Test opener get to nominate his retirement date And why does a player at the centre of one of the biggest scandals in Australian cricket history warrant a hero's send-off? Although Warner wasn't alone in Sandpaper Gate, he was at the time a senior member of the team and someone who liked to use his perceived power as a 'leader'," Johnson wrote.
"Bunnings would sell out of sandpaper," writes Mitchell Johnson
Further speaking about Warner's involvement in 2018's infamous Sandpaper Gate, Johnson asked what fans would bring for Warner. "Now the way he is going out is underpinned by more of the same arrogance and disrespect to our country. What will fans bring for Warner? Bunnings would sell out of sandpaper," he wrote.
"Ultimately, an international cricket career is not just about your statistical achievements with bat or ball. How you held yourself and how you played the game will live long after you depart," said the former Aussie quick. Johnson further attacked the Australian coach and questioned his strategies.
"Australian coach Andrew McDonald said recently they will be picking this summer's Test squad based on current performances. It would be nice to know how long this strategy has been in place because it doesn't seem to have applied to Warner for quite a while, he wrote.