'They've Opinion Just To Get A Headline' - David Warner's Manager Takes A Dig At Mitchell Johnson

David Warner‘s manager, James Erskine, has strongly defended the Australian opener against criticism from former teammate Mitchell Johnson. James Erskine highlighted that David Warner remains the best choice for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.

Mitchell Johnson, in his column for The West Australian, raised questions about David Warner’s autonomy in deciding when to retire from Tests. The former pacer criticized him for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal against South Africa in 2018.

Mitchell Johnson Was A Fine Player – James Erskine

James Erskine expressed confusion over Mitchell Johnson’s aggressive stance and defended Warner’s form. Erskine found it “a bit sad” that ex-cricketers, like Johnson, criticize current players and suggested such critiques are aimed at grabbing headlines.

“Mitchell Johnson was a fine player … and he’s entitled to his opinion. But at the end of the day what surprises me is all these ex-cricketers who basically have a crack at the current lot,” Erskine said on SEN’s Sportsday.

“You would never get that happening in golf where Arnold Palmer was criticising Nick Faldo, or Chrissie Evert having a crack at somebody else who was currently playing (tennis). I think it’s a bit sad in a way. I’m sure they have an opinion but I think it’s to get a headline,” he added.

David Warner Has Been A Battler All His Life – James Erskine

James Erskine pointed out that contenders like Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, and Marcus Harris have lower averages than Warner’s. Erskine emphasized that Warner is the best for the job and isn’t seeking a farewell.

“My black Labrador could work out who are the contenders to basically take the spot. Cameron Bancroft, there’s Matt Renshaw, there’s Marcus Harris. Collectively they have averages in the mid-20s … David Warner has played 109 Test matches and has a (career) average of 44.4, got over 8500 runs.”

“If anyone listening thought that David Warner wanted to play Test cricket for Australia if he didn’t think he was up to it, they’re wrong. He’s been a battler all his life, he’s a guy from the wrong side of the tracks, he’s a guy that’s gone and scraped a living and been very successful at it. But he doesn’t want a swansong, he thinks he’s the best guy for the job. I think the figures show it. If he goes and gets two ducks in the first two Tests then they’ll drop him, but, you know, he won’t,” Erskine further stated.

Also read: “Steve Smith And David Warner Have Paid Their Dues..”- Usman Khawaja Lashes Out At Mitchell Johnson