Australian opening batter David Warner recently shrugged off critical comments from ex-teammate Mitchell Johnson about his decision to set a retirement timeline. Johnson, in a column, had cast doubt on Warner's current form and referenced his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering incident.
Warner had expressed a wish for a farewell Test in Sydney, part of the upcoming series against Pakistan starting on January 3, 2024.
The 37-year-old chose not to engage in controversy over Johnson's remarks. Speaking at a Fox Cricket event, he said, "It wouldn't be a summer without a headline, would it? It is what it is. Everyone's entitled to their own opinions." This response marked Warner's first public comments following Johnson's harsh criticism.
Warner has scored only one Test century since the summer of 2020-21, but it was a significant double century against South Africa in his 100th Test at the MCG in 2022. Australian selectors remain supportive of Warner, though his successor beyond the Sydney Test is yet to be determined.
Reflecting on his journey, Warner credited his resilience to his upbringing, emphasizing the importance of perseverance amidst media scrutiny and criticism.
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins also voiced strong support for Warner, highlighting the team's protective nature, especially towards long-standing members like Warner and Steve Smith. Cummins stressed the team's recent successes and the positive aspects of Australian cricket, choosing to focus on these rather than Johnson's critical commentary.