NEW DELHI: Australia's batsman Usman Khawaja has strongly defended David Warner in response to former teammate Mitchell Johnson's recent criticism.
Johnson questioned Warner's place in the Test squad and asserted that he hadn't fully taken responsibility for the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
Despite being named in the 14-man squad for the series-opener against Pakistan, Warner's form has faced scrutiny.
Johnson questioned 'hero's send-off'
Johnson, in a column, expressed doubt about Warner deserving a place in the side and dismissed the idea of a "hero's send-off," arguing that Warner had not fully accepted his role in the Newlands ball-tampering incident.
Khawaja, however, disagreed with Johnson's assessment and staunchly supported Warner.
One-year ban sufficient, says Khawaja
Khawaja defended Warner and former captain Steve Smith, stating that both players had done a lot for Australian cricket, and their one-year bans for the 'Sandpaper-gate' incident were sufficient punishment.
"Warner and Smith are heroes in my mind. They missed a year of cricket through dark times. No one's perfect. Mitchell Johnson's not perfect. What they have done for the game – how they have grown the game – far outweighs anything else they have done.
"To say Dave Warner or anyone else involved in sandpaper (gate) is not a hero ... I strongly disagree because they have paid their dues. A year out of cricket is a long time," Khawaja told reporters.
Paine calls Warner one of the 'all-time greats'
Former Test captain Tim Paine acknowledged Johnson's points about Warner's recent form but stressed that Warner's past contributions to the game, making him one of the "all-time greats," should be considered.
"David hasn't been playing well, and would other people be getting the run he's getting now? Probably not. But in my opinion, he's got credits in the bank because he is one of the all-time greats," Paine stated on a radio station.
Paine also hinted at a potential strained relationship between Johnson and Warner, suggesting, "I think you can read between the lines that (Johnson) and Davey don't get along."
The debate over Warner's place in the Test squad continues as Australia prepares for the upcoming series against Pakistan.
(With inputs from Reuters)
