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Usman Khawaja stands by David Warner amid Mitchell Johnson's criticism

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Mohammad Bilal
Mohammad BilalDec 05, 2023 | 18:02

Usman Khawaja stands by David Warner amid Mitchell Johnson's criticism

Usman Khawaja has shown his support for David Warner after Mitchell Johnson objected against Warner's inclusion in the Test squad despite poor form. Photos: Getty

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has expressed support for David Warner after former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson launched a scathing attack on Warner in his column.

Johnson criticised his former teammate David Warner in an op-ed for Australian newspaper The West Australian, citing Warner's current lacklustre form in Test cricket and his involvement in the sandgate scandal.

Khawaja's support for Warner

  • Khawaja strongly disagreed with Johnson's column, stating that both Warner and Steve Smith have paid their dues over the sandpaper-gate scandal.
  • The sandpaper-gate scandal occurred in 2018 in South Africa, where Warner, Smith, and Cameron Bancroft were caught using sandpaper on the field to alter the ball's condition.
  • Cricket Australia reprimanded them severely, imposing bans on the trio.
  • Khawaja reiterated that while Warner and Smith may have committed the act, they have faced the consequences.
    Usman Khawaja has backed David Warner amid criticism from former player Mitchell Johnson. Photo: Getty

     

  • He labeled Warner and Smith as heroes, mentioning that they endured a dark period missing a year of cricket but have paid their dues for their mistakes.
  • Khawaja further emphasized that their contributions to the game outweigh their past missteps, expressing disagreement with Johnson's portrayal of Warner and others involved in the scandal.
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What Johnson said

  • In his column, Johnson voiced concerns about Warner's inclusion in the Test series against Pakistan, citing his poor form and questioning his farewell send-off after the sandpaper-gate scandal.
  • Johnson accused Warner of not fully accepting responsibility for his role in the ball-tampering scandal, criticizing his alleged arrogance and disrespect toward the country.
  • He questioned why a struggling Test opener like Warner should determine his retirement date and receive a hero's send-off after such a significant scandal in Australian cricket history.

Why Johnson went against Warner

  • Johnson revealed that his critical views on Warner stemmed from a personal text message he received from Warner in April regarding another op-ed he had written.
  • Expressing discomfort with Warner's tone in that message, Johnson attempted to reach out to discuss it, emphasizing his openness to communication after retiring from cricket.
  • Johnson contended that this interaction was a significant factor in prompting his column against Warner.
  • Putting personal differences aside, Warner's recent form has seen a decline, and the upcoming series against Pakistan might mark his conclusion in Test cricket.
  • Warner has struggled, scoring 936 runs in 36 Test innings at an average of 26.74, with one century and four half-centuries in 20 Tests.
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Last updated: December 05, 2023 | 18:02
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