Mitchell Johnson reveals he received a “pretty bad” text from David Warner which led him to write his column 

Back in April, Johnson had criticized David Warner's form and his wife's support, to which Warner sent a hurtful text.

Mitchell Johnson reveals he received a “pretty bad” text from David Warner which led him to write his column 

David Warner and Mitchell Johnson celebrate Virat Kohli's wicket in 2014 (Image via ESPN)

Mitchell Johnson’s article on David Warner’s inclusion and farewell from Test cricket has become the talk of the town. In the article he called out the opener for his involvement in sandpaper gate and his poor form leading to the Pakistan series. 

In his podcast, called The Mitchell Johnson Cricket Show, Johnson revealed Warner sent him a “pretty bad” text in April regarding an article he wrote. He tried having a conversation with the opener and said that he told his former teammates to reach out if he hurt them in the media. The pacer further added that his article was never personal, but Warner’s text has now made it personal, which led him to call out Warner. 

YouTube video
I got a message from Dave, which was quite personal. I tried to ring to try and talk to him about it, which I've always been open to. I know I've been open to the guys when I finished playing. I said if I'm in the media and writing things or saying things that you don't like, just come and speak to me. It was never a personal thing then until this point.
Mitchell Johnson on The Mitchell Johnson Cricket Show

He added:

This is probably what drove me to write the article as well, part of it. It was definitely a factor. Some of the stuff that was said in that, I won't say it. I think that's up to Dave to say it if he wants to talk about it. There was some stuff in there that was extremely disappointing, what he said, and pretty bad to be honest.

Warner is all set to play his final Test series. Debuting in 2011, Warner has scored 8,487 runs in 109 matches, averaging 44.43. In the past three years, he has averaged 28.91 since 2021. 

Usman Khawaja defends David Warner

David Warner’s opening partner, Usman Khawaja, was ready to defend the 37-year-old. Khawaja called him a hero along with Steve Smith. He clarified that he disagreed with the article and said everyone involved in the sandpaper gate had paid their dues. He further added that not everyone was perfect, including himself and Johnson. Khawaja then lauded Smith and Warner for helping cricket grow.

Usman Khawaja David Warner
Usman Khawaja and David Warner during the 2022 Ashes (Image via ESPN)

Pakistan and Australia will play their first Test on 14th December, which will be played in Perth’s Optus Stadium. Then they will play in the historic Boxing Day test, which will be played in the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Warner will probably play his final Test in the Sydney Cricket Ground on the 3rd of January. 

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