David Warner has shared his thoughts on Mitchell Johnson’s criticism of his decision to retire, stating that his ex-teammate has the right to express his opinions, even if they are harsh.

The opening batter, who is 37 years old, has chosen not to contribute to the already intense situation. This decision comes as Australian captain Pat Cummins states that the Test team will fiercely defend the 109-Test veteran against any external criticisms.

Warner is looking to end his successful Test career after Australia plays against Pakistan on his home ground at the SCG in the third and final match of the series, starting in Perth on Thursday.

However, in a recent newspaper article, Johnson, who has played 72 Tests, raised doubts about Warner’s current performance level and suggested that he may not have the authority to determine when he will retire. He also brought up past issues by mentioning Warner’s involvement in the infamous “Sandpapergate” incident.

The former fast-paced player, now working as a radio host for Triple M, has received widespread criticism for the severity of his criticism. He implied that Bunnings would run out of sandpaper before the planned retirement Test.

However, Warner simply brushed off the comments and addressed them publicly for the first time.

He mentioned during the unveiling of Fox Cricket’s summer programming on Friday that it wouldn’t feel like summer without a headline. He acknowledged that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and expressed excitement for an upcoming Test in the west.

Warner has only achieved one Test century out of 25 matches since the summer of 2020/21. This notable century was against South Africa in his 100th Test at the MCG in late 2022. During the last season, he had a low average of 22.8 with 365 runs from nine Tests and his highest score was 66.

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The Australian selectors have chosen to keep Warner on the team despite his recent struggles. However, they are currently making decisions on who will take his place in future games, with Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris being the top contenders in the Prime Minister’s XI match at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

The team has shown equal support in the past few days.

Cummins expressed that they have a strong sense of protection for one another. They have faced numerous challenges together over the years, and Cummins has been playing with Davey and Steve for over a decade, making their bond even stronger. They are fiercely protective of each other and are grateful for the positive support they receive from others.

Warner, determined to finish his career successfully, stated that he discovered early on how to stay focused despite receiving criticism like Johnson’s.

“My parents instilled that in me,” he stated. “They instilled in me the value of perseverance and hard work. When you enter the global arena, you may not anticipate the challenges that come with it – including media attention and criticism – but there are also many positive aspects.”

What’s most significant is the present turnout of individuals showing their support for cricket.

Cummins remains optimistic that Australia can put the controversy behind them as they prepare for their upcoming home match. This comes after a triumphant winter season, where they achieved victories in the ODI World Cup and World Test Championship finals, as well as a tied Ashes series in England.

Nathan Lyon is expected to make a comeback in the Perth Test after recovering from a calf injury he sustained during the Ashes.

“We have possibly had our most prosperous year to date. We are entering a highly anticipated summer,” stated Cummins. “There are numerous positive developments in Australian cricket that deserve attention and that is our main focus (referring to Johnson’s column).”

Source: theguardian.com