Australia’s left-handed batsman, Usman Khawaja, has come forward to support his fellow opener, David Warner, following criticism from former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson over the ball-tampering scandal in 2018.
Khawaja, who has partnered with David Warner in Test cricket, expressed strong disagreement with Johnson’s recent column in The West Australian. Johnson suggested that Warner had not fully taken responsibility for his involvement in the Sandpaper scandal.
In response, Khawaja defended Warner and Steve Smith, emphasizing their status as heroes in his eyes.
He acknowledged the dark period Australian cricket faced due to their ban but highlighted their contribution to the game.
Khawaja highlighted imperfections in everyone, including Johnson himself, asserting that the duo had made significant contributions to cricket that outweighed their past mistakes.
Johnson, in his column, questioned why Warner was being treated favorably by selectors despite the ball-tampering incident.
He criticized Warner’s handling of the situation, implying arrogance and disrespect toward the country.
The former pacer couldn’t comprehend why Warner, who has struggled in Test cricket lately, gets to decide his retirement date and receives a hero’s farewell despite his low performance.
Warner’s recent average of 26.74 in red-ball cricket over two years, coupled with a challenging Ashes 2023 series where he managed only 285 runs in 10 innings at an average of 28.50, raised questions for Johnson.
The critique centered on the discrepancy between Warner’s recent form and the praise he’s receiving as he announces his retirement, especially considering his involvement in the scandal.
Johnson’s questioning of Warner’s farewell and treatment by selectors despite performance struggles fueled the ongoing debate surrounding Warner’s legacy and his retirement announcement.