Ahead of the Test series against Pakistan, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has commented on the simmering rivalry between veteran opener David Warner and former Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson. The buzz of the town leading up to the Australian opener’s final Test series at home is Johnson’s criticism of Warner. Australia will continue its title defence in the ICC World Test Championship after winning the sixth and most historic World Cup in India.
Australia’s first away assignment after winning the One Day International (ODI) World Cup is to host Pakistan. Johnson, a former cricket player, attacked Warner savagely as the latter attempted to bid Warner farewell in the Pakistan Test series. Warner was previously included in Australia’s 14-man team for the opening Test matchup with Pakistan. Johnson questioned Warner’s desire to leave, and in his shocking remarks, the former cricket player also brought up the infamous ball-tampering issue.
Johnson said, “It’s been five years and David Warner has still never really owned the ball-tampering scandal,” in his Sunday column in The West Australian. All-rounder Maxwell defended Warner in the wake of the former Australian cricket player’s biting comments, calling his colleague a “absolute champion” of the Australian team. The World Cup 2023 victor expressed his agreement with the selectors’ choice of Warner in an interview with Australian radio station SEN. He also expressed excitement for his colleague to hit runs against Pakistan.
“I won’t put my name in any press releases on this. However, Davey has long been the undisputed champion of Australian cricket, and the selectors’ opinions were made quite apparent when they chose him. Davey should score a lot of runs this summer, and I’m excited to watch him in that opening Test,” Maxwell stated.
Usman Khawaja, the opener, too made the decision to come out in Warner’s defence earlier. Warner and former Australian captain Steve Smith, according to Khawaja, are idols. “I completely believe that Dave Warner or anyone else engaged in the sandpaper (gate) is not a hero since they have made their amends. “One year away from cricket is a long time,” he continued.