A tempest seems to have disrupted the camaraderie between former Australian cricket mates David Warner and Mitchell Johnson, with Johnson’s recent column causing a stir. In the column, Johnson asserted that Warner’s selection for the Pakistan Test series wasn’t based on form but rather on Warner’s post-series retirement plans. The retired fast bowler expressed concerns about chief selector George Bailey’s proximity to players and how it might be influencing the selection process.
The anticipated showdown between these ex-teammates won’t occur during the first Test in Pakistan, as Mitchell Johnson found himself unexpectedly dropped from the Triple M commentary team for the series. Notably absent from the list of commentators, which includes cricket legends like Merv Hughes, Wasim Akram, and Mark Taylor, Johnson’s exclusion came just two days after he publicly criticized David Warner, reigniting the ball-tampering controversy and questioning Warner’s place in the team.
In a surprising turn of events, Johnson denied Warner a “hero’s sendoff” in what was supposed to be his final series against Pakistan. Shedding light on his outburst, Johnson revealed that Warner had sent him a personal text earlier in the year after Johnson defended Warner’s wife, Candice, in a column. While Johnson did not disclose the details, he acknowledged that the message, coupled with the ongoing saga, fueled his scathing column in The West Australian.
On The Mitchell Johnson Cricket Show, the 42-year-old former pacer expressed his willingness to engage in a conversation with Warner about the issue. Stressing his commitment to open communication, even in his post-retirement phase, Johnson encouraged players to reach out directly if they disagreed with his media commentary.
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As the cricketing community awaits the next developments in this explosive saga, Mitchell Johnson’s sudden removal from the commentary team adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already fiery controversy between these former teammates. The narrative surrounding Warner’s selection, Johnson’s commentary, and the ensuing fallout promises to be a captivating subplot in the cricketing landscape.
