Former Australia international Chadd Sayers has told Shane Warne to "shut up" over his criticism of Mitchell Starc and Usman Khawaja.
Ahead of the first Ashes Test, Warne called for Starc to be dropped in favour of Jhye Richardson, insisting the left-arm quick was "just not bowling well enough".
"He needs to find a bit of rhythm and some form," Warne said of Starc. "He had a really poor [T20] World Cup.
"He's just not bowling well enough. It's too important at the Gabba. So I'm all for Jhye Richardson."
However, Starc is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series, having picked up 14 at an average of 19.64.
Then, ahead of the fourth Test, he questioned the inclusion of Khawaja as Travis Head's replacement at number five, claiming Mitchell Marsh would be a better selection.
"Australia has been waiting a long time for Mitchell Marsh to come good and right at the moment he's in the form of his life," Warne said.
"For me, I just think as a bowler who would I rather bowl to, Khawaja or Mitchell Marsh? I'd much rather bowl to Khawaja."
However, the Khawaja scored a magnificent century in his first Test appearance in over two years, putting Australia in control in the fourth Test and firmly justifying his selection.
In response to Warne's comments about Starc and Khawaja, Sayers, who played one Test for Australia in 2018, slammed him on Twitter.
"Shane Warne keeps bagging his own Aussie players," Sayers wrote. "Went hard at Starc - Wrong and now Uzzie - wrong #shutup"
Speaking on BBC Test Match Special, former England bowler Steven Finn was full of praise for Khawaja.
"It has been a phenomenal innings," he said. "He showed patience to get his innings going and then how good against spin he is since.
"He was under pressure coming into the side after two and a half years out. He has given the Australian selectors even more headaches."
