Australia opener David Warner has shrugged off the harsh criticism from Mitchell Johnson as merely a headline for the upcoming home summer ahead of the first Test against Pakistan.
The public disagreement between Warner and Johnson, both esteemed figures in Australian cricket, has evolved into a widely discussed controversy. The dispute began with Johnson's critical column, where he scrutinised Warner's red-ball cricket performance and his role in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Johnson raised questions about the decision to give Warner a Test farewell, suggesting it was marked by arrogance and disrespect.
David's wife Candice Warner had earlier supported her husband's position in the Australian Test team, highlighting his unmatched skills as an opener. However, Johnson's comments on Warner's recent form and his decision to retire after the Sydney Test against Pakistan have intensified the controversy. Despite Warner facing challenges in five of his last six series, he continues to be a prominent figure in Australian cricket, having been the top run-scorer in their recent one-day World Cup victory.
Johnson's public criticism reached a personal level when he revealed receiving a message from Warner, which he deemed disappointing. As a result of this exchange, Johnson was omitted from a lineup of radio commentators for an Australian Test match.
Many commentators have weighed in on the issue, with AB de Villiers and Ricky Ponting advising both men to resolve their differences privately.
In remarks quoted by Fox Sports at an event, Warner went on to shrug off Johnson’s comments with a laugh. The Australian opener mentioned that everyone was entitled to their own opinion and said that he was simply focused on having a good Test match against Pakistan.
"It would not be a summer of cricket without a headline," Warner said with a laugh.
"It is what it is. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. But moving forward, we are looking to a nice Test over in the west,” Warner added.
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