After Mitchell Johnson’s criticism, Usman Khawaja got here to Warner’s protection

After being criticized by Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja got here to the sphere to defend his opening associate David Warner.

Former quick bowler Johnson criticized Warner after he retained his place in Australia’s squad for the primary Check towards Pakistan later this month.

Warner will bid farewell to Check cricket after the three-match dwelling sequence towards Pakistan.

Johnson reacted strongly to the choice, questioning why his former teammate needs to be given a “hero’s send-off” in mild of his poor Check type.

Johnson mentioned Warner had not accepted full duty for his function within the 2018 Sandpaper Gate incident in South Africa that led to his 12-month ban.

Each Steve Smith and Warner had been banned for a 12 months for his or her involvement within the scandal, however Usman Waja advised reporters on Monday that David Warner and Steve Smith are heroes in my thoughts.

The cricketer additional mentioned, ‘Nobody is ideal. Neither I, Mitchell Johnson, Steven Smith nor David Warner are excellent.’

Usman Khawaja mentioned that the whole lot Warner has accomplished for the sport from a optimistic perspective is greater than that. “I strongly disagree with Johnson’s assertion that David Warner or anybody else concerned within the sandpaper scandal will not be a hero,” he mentioned.

The primary Check between Australia and Pakistan will start in Perth on December 14, earlier than the standard Boxing Day Check on the Melbourne Cricket Floor on January 3 after which in Sydney.

Warner has indicated that he intends to depart the format of the sport after the Check at his hometown Sydney Cricket Floor, however will proceed to play white-ball cricket.

Warner was in very good type within the latest 50-over World Cup however has scored only one Check century because the begin of 2020 and averages simply 28 runs because the 2019-2020 summer season in Australia.