Australia’s Test squad selection for the upcoming series against Pakistan has sparked controversy, particularly with the inclusion of David Warner. Former Australia star Mitchell Johnson has criticized Warner’s selection, reigniting the ball-tampering scandal. Johnson believes that Warner doesn’t deserve a “hero’s sendoff” as this series could be his last.
Johnson also targeted Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, for choosing Warner despite his poor Test form. Johnson questioned whether Bailey’s close relationship with some of the players, including Warner, influenced his decision-making.
When asked about Johnson’s comments, Bailey expressed his hope that Johnson is okay. He defended his approach, stating that being distant and unaware of players’ situations and team plans is not necessarily beneficial. Bailey believes that being involved and aware allows for better decision-making.
Warner’s Test record is impressive, with 8487 runs in 109 matches at an average of 44.33. However, his Test average since 2020 has dropped to 31.79. Despite this decline, Bailey still considers Warner one of Australia’s finest Test players.
Bailey emphasized the importance of each Test match in the World Test Championship and the need to select the best 11 players for each game. He believes that Warner is the right person for the first Test against Pakistan.
However, Bailey acknowledged the need to find Warner’s successor and cautioned against expecting an exact replication of his performance. He drew a parallel with Shane Warne’s retirement as a spinner and the struggles to find a replacement, emphasizing the uniqueness of Warner’s role and the importance of finding the right fit post-David.
The selection controversy surrounding Warner’s inclusion in Australia’s Test squad highlights differing opinions on his form and future in the team. The upcoming series against Pakistan will be crucial in determining Warner’s place in the Test side and the search for his eventual successor.
