Mitchell Johnson criticizes Australian cricket on Instagram

Mitchell Johnson and David Warner have been teammates for a long time. Reuters

The former Australian cricketer has mocked Mitchell Johnson’s invitation to the awards ceremony. It comes just a week after the governing body canceled two of Johnson’s speaking engagements following his controversial column targeting David Warner and chairman of selectors George Bailey. He initially kept mum about stepping down from paid talks during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth, but then, he took to social media to express his disbelief at the call.

Taking to Instagram with a screenshot of the invitation and Rage Against The Machine song “Take the Power Back”, Johnson wrote: “Is Australian cricket serious?? Last week I was canceled from two speaking engagements. This week I’m invited to celebrate with them.”

The former left-arm fast bowler had slammed Warner for his “farewell to the hero” and also spoke out about Sandpapergate in an explosive article for Western Australia. Johnson also raised questions about Bailey’s position, suggesting a conflict of interest in determining Warner’s future.

Following this column, Warner responded with a stunning performance in the opening Test against Pakistan, scoring 164 runs and earning a memorable send-off from the red of cricket at the SCG.

In conversation on Mitchell Johnson Cricket Show Podcast with host Bharat Sundaresan, Johnson admitted that the column was partly prompted by personal letters from Warner and Bailey earlier in the year.

Amid all these comments and controversy, Warner did not offer his own opinions, and said that Johnson is free to express his opinion. The left-hander responded with a brilliant innings of 164, propelling Australia into a commanding position after day one in the first Test against Pakistan in Perth.

He was impressive on the opening day of his farewell Test series, leading Australia to a total of 346-5. Warner’s exceptional performance also saw him rise to fifth place on Australia’s all-time Test run-scorer list, surpassing the likes of Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke.

Published on: 23 December 2023 at 18:18:22 IST