How Has David Warner Reacted To Mitchell Johnson's Criticism Inside Australia's Dressing Room? Travis Head Reveals Jaw Dropping Details

While many believe that recent remarks made by Mitchell Johnson about David Warner could hamper the latter’s performance in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, Travis Head believes otherwise. The veteran opener is gearing up for his last Test series with Australia. He has already announced that the three-match series against Pakistan would be his last.

Mitchell Johnson, however, was not pleased that his former teammate was getting a farewell series despite his poor performance in Tests in recent times as well as his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in 2018. He has also questioned the integrity of his former teammate and chief selector George Bailey.

Writing in a newspaper column, Johnson lashed out at Cricket Australia as he wrote: “Does this really warrant a swansong, a last hurrah against Pakistan that was forecast a year in advance as if he was bigger than the game and the Australian cricket team?

“It’s been five years and 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,” he added.

Travis Head backs David Warner:

All eyes will be on David Warner as he gears up to play his last Test in Perth when Australia lock horns against Pakistan. The opener will be desperate to prove his critics wrong and bow out of Tests on a high. He has reached 50 just twice in his past 16 Test innings.

And his teammate Travis Head has backed him to do well in his last-ever Test assignment. Head revealed that his senior teammate has remained remarkably calm despite the harsh criticism from Johnson. He also stated that the former pacer’s remarks have actually motivated and revved David Warner up.

“He’s been pretty calm, I think, which might be a good thing or a bad thing,” Head said on Monday.

“I think he’s revved up and I think a few people have said he doesn’t need much motivation so (those comments) added a little spice to it and revs him up.

“We’ve seen that over his whole career where he’s had moments whether he’s at the crossroads or people have had opinions or whatnot, but it doesn’t affect him too much. But I know deep down he keeps it in the back of his mind and it spurs him on. Hopefully, that’s a good reason for lots of runs over the next few Test matches,” he added.

The Australia opener has a good record in Perth in Tests. He smashed 180 in his first Test in Perth 11 years ago before playing a stunning 253-run knock against New Zealand at the same venue in 2015. He will be hoping to do well in the upcoming Test too.

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has also backed the under-pressure opener to perform well in the upcoming series. The senior spinner emphasized that Warner plays his best cricket whenever he is written off. Lyon also said that Warner still does not get the recognition he deserves.

“Knowing David for the last 13 or 14 years, when he seems to be backed into the corner, that’s when he plays his best cricket,” Lyon said.

“I’m backing David to come out and perform the way he has for Australia. I honestly don’t think that the Australian public probably realizes the importance that David has played for the Australian cricket team over the last 13 years.

“I think I’ve played over 100 Tests with David, and to see what he’s been able to do has been pretty amazing so I’m looking forward to seeing him come out here,” he added.