Cricket News
Former Australian captain opens up on David Warner-Mitchell Johnson saga
David Warner will be playing his final Test against Pakistan at the SCG in January 2024.
Michael Clarke, the former captain of Australia, believes that David Warner and Mitchell Johnson may be at odds. The World Cup-winning skipper believes it shouldn’t be taken personally by David Warner. He spoke about even if he acknowledges that previous cricket players have the right to express their thoughts.
Johnson attacked Warner harshly in his most recent editorial for The West Australian on his “farewell” Test series. The former left-arm quick reopened the investigation into Warner’s role in the sandpaper controversy and feels the “struggling” opener isn’t deserving of a valiant farewell.
During a conversation with BigSports Breakfast, he discussed the Warner-Johnson debacle that has taken stage. He said, “Yeah (that’s why I wonder if) maybe I’ve missed something here … Mitch hasn’t played for years now so maybe there is a beef, I don’t know. When you’re in a role like this … if you have an opinion and it’s based on what’s best for the team, or your experience, then go with that. But it should never be personal. I try not to make it personal and if it comes across that way you try and apologise for that because you don’t want that.”
Clarke observed during this that Johnson and Warner had been both powerful figures. Although, he did not believe their interactions on the pitch to be considered problematic. The former ODI World Cup winner continued by adding, “In every sporting team. Not everybody gets on. Not everyone is best friends. Dave is a strong character, Mitch is a strong character, (they) went hard at each other in the nets. I saw that but I couldn’t sit here and say they had beef against one another when we played.”
Australia announce squad for Pakistan Tests
Australia has announced their 14-man team for the first Test match against Pakistan, which is scheduled to begin in Perth on December 14. Lance Morris has been drafted into the squad after his breathtaking performances in the Sheffield Shield.
Australia full squad (Perth Test) : Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner.
