“Thank God Mitchell Johnson isn’t a Test selector,” David Warner’s managers mock former Aussie pacer after controversial column 

James Esikine, David Warner's manager, said it was logical for David Warner to be selected and compared Warner to three other candidates.

“Thank God Mitchell Johnson isn’t a Test selector,” David Warner’s managers mock former Aussie pacer after controversial column 

David Warner celebrates Mitchell Johnson's catch (Image via ESPN)

The cricket circle in Australia has never been as shocked as it is today (since 2018). Probably the 2nd biggest thing that has hit them since the Sandpaper Gate is an article related to an architect of the scandal. Mitchell Johnson brutally criticized David Warner for his poor form and involvement in Sandpaper Gate. 

The entire cricketing fraternity has only been discussing this column, with every sports network only fixating on this article. While most discussions have been civil, unlike the article, Warner’s manager publicly called out the former speedster, thanking God for him not being a selector. 

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In an interview with Sydney Morning Herald, James Eriksine said Warner’s selection was logical, and compared him to three Australian openers who could potentially replace him. He added that Johnson was doing this to get a headline and thanked God that the pacer was not a selector. 

Let me tell you, anyone can get a headline. The fact is (Warner playing) is just logical. The three candidates will be (Matthew) Renshaw, (Cameron) Bancroft – who has played pretty well in the Sheffield Shield – and (Marcus) Harris. Now they’ve all had spells opening the batting for Australia. David is in good form. Thank God Mitchell Johnson isn’t a Test selector.
James Eriksine on Mitchell Johnson

George Bailey, the Australian selector, was also criticized by Johnson in his column, berating him for his treatment of Tim Paine, the former Test captain. Bailey commented that his former Australia and Kings XI Punjab teammate should not comment until he is in the particular player’s feet. He also added that he hoped Johnson was ok. 

Related: “Not everyone is best friends,” Michael Clarke shares his opinion on Mitchell Johnson’s fiery article on David Warner and Ball Tampering scandal

Mitchell Johnson’s broken relations with former teammates 

When Justin Langar’s future as coach with the Australian side was in danger, many players wished he would leave. There was a distance between the players and Langer due to his intensity and coaching style. 

Mitchell Johnson Pat Cummins
Mitchell Johnson and Pat Cummins were part of the 2015 World Cup winning squad (Image via Fox Sports)

Many of his former teammates came in his support, including Mitchell Johnson. He called Australian captain, Pat Cummins, “gutless” for not supporting his coach and ensuring he left. Cummins and Johnson were good friends and were a part of the 2015 World Cup winning squad. After his comments, it was obvious that their relationship was now broken. 

Along with Cummins, he now had broken ties with old teammates. A WhatsApp group consisting of Johnson, Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazelwood was now quiet, with no one texting anything. The bowling group which used to hunt batters together were now divided, showing that many players in the Australian squad now had no intent to talk with their former teammate. 

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