In a surprising turn of events just before the commencement of the highly anticipated 3-game test series between Pakistan and Australia, former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson made a statement that has ignited a firestorm of opinions across social media and cricket fans alike. The focal point of Johnson’s bombshell was Australia’s opening batsman, David Warner, and his impending retirement after the third test in Sydney.
Mitchell Johnson, known for his express pace on the field, did not mince words when he expressed his views on Warner. Johnson remarked, “It’s been five years and David Warner has still never really owned the ball-tampering scandal. Now the way he is going out is underpinned by more of the same arrogance and disrespect to our country. As we prepare for David Warner’s farewell series, can somebody please tell me why? Why a struggling Test opener gets to nominate his own retirement date. And why a player at the centre of one of the biggest scandals in Australian cricket history warrants a hero’s send-off?”. This statement has raised eyebrows and divided the cricket community into two distinct camps.
Virat Kohli’s Old Clip Goes Viral After Mitchell Johnson’s Statement On David Warner
The cricketing fraternity, as well as fans worldwide, found themselves polarized following Johnson’s controversial statement. A considerable portion of the fanbase vehemently criticized Johnson for questioning the legacy of a cricketing legend. They argue that Warner has served his punishment for his involvement in the Sandpapergate scandal of 2018 and that his illustrious career should not be tarnished by past mistakes.
Adding fuel to the fire, an old clip resurfaced featuring former Indian skipper Virat Kohli confronting Mitchell Johnson during India’s tour of Australia. Kohli, known for his aggressive playing style, had a heated exchange with Johnson during the Boxing Day 3rd test in Melbourne. The incident took place in the midst of Kohli’s remarkable performance, where he scored a hundred and forged a 242-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane.
In the aftermath, Kohli revealed in a press conference that the Australians labelled him a “spoiled brat” and asserted that he wasn’t there to earn anyone’s respect, specifically singling out Johnson. The resurfacing of this clip gained traction after Johnson’s recent statements on Warner, reigniting memories of clashes on the field.
I'm not here to earn their respect, I'm here to play cricket – Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/ZfxUK84e9a
— divz (@kohlizype) November 30, 2023
