Cricket Australia Chief Asks His Team To Walk The Talk After Mitchell Johnson's Criticism

With Mitchell Johnson‘s recent remarks about David Warner dominating the pre-series discussions ahead of the three-Test series between Australia and Pakistan, Cricket Australia Chief Executive Nick Hockley has broken his silence on the drama.

Earlier this month, the former Australia fast-bowler raised a number of eyebrows by launching a scathing attack towards Warner. Writing in a newspaper column, Mitchell Johnson stated that Warner did not deserve a hero’s farewell due to his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal as well as his poor form in recent months. He had also taken a dig at chief selector George Bailey and questioned his integrity.

Reacting to the controversy, Hockley refused to make any comment on the issue but said that he’s confident Australia will “do their talking on the pitch” ahead of the first match against Pakistan.

“A fair amount has been said, and everyone’s entitled to their own opinions,” he said.

“I think what you’ve seen over this year and the last two years is the current men’s team in all formats playing in great spirit. The success of the World Cup is being hailed as arguably the greatest World Cup victory out of the six to beat India in India.

“I know that this team really wants to do its talking on the pitch,” he added.

David Warner on Mitchell Johnson’s remarks:

Earlier, David Warner had also refused to react to Mitchell Johnson’s remarks about him, saying that his former teammate is entitled to his opinions. The veteran opener decided against adding more fuel to the fire as he gears up to play his last-ever Test series.

“It wouldn’t be a summer without a headline, would it? It is what it is. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions. Moving forward, we’re looking forward to a nice Test over in the west,” said Warner.

The first Test between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to take place from December 14 in Perth. Warner has been included in the squad for the first Test. The left-handed batsman has struggled to do well in Tests in recent times and will be looking to regain his best form in his farewell series.