In a recent turn of events, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has come to the defense of his opening partner, David Warner, amid criticisms from former teammate Mitchell Johnson. The debate centers around Warner’s place in the Test squad and his perceived handling of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
Khawaja, speaking to reporters, ardently supported Warner, stating, “Warner and Smith are heroes in my mind. They missed a year of cricket through dark times. No one’s perfect. Mitchell Johnson’s not perfect.” Khawaja emphasized the significant contributions Warner and Smith have made to Australian cricket, asserting that their positive impact on the game far outweighs the controversies of the past.
Responding to Johnson’s column that questioned Warner’s form and accountability, Khawaja firmly disagreed, “To say Dave Warner or anyone else involved in sandpaper (gate) is not a hero … I strongly disagree because they have paid their dues. A year out of cricket is a long time.”
Warner, who has recently faced scrutiny for his mixed test form, has an average of 28 since 2019. Despite concerns, Warner’s manager, James Erskine, remains confident, stating, “David would say, ‘Be my guest, I’ll give you batting tips’,” while dismissing doubts about Warner’s form.
The controversy comes as Warner is included in the 14-man squad for the series opener against Pakistan, with the veteran batsman set to open in the upcoming Test match in Perth starting on December 14th. The selection debate continues to stir opinions within the cricket community, raising questions about the balance between player accountability and their contributions to the sport.
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