Watch: David Warner Tells Mitchell Johnson And Other Critics To Shut Up With 'Finger On The Lips' Celebration After Century

Australia opener David Warner has shut down his critics in style by scoring a blazing century in the ongoing first Test against Pakistan in Perth. Gearing up for his last-ever Test series, the veteran opener found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

His spot in Australia’s Test XI became a public debate following harsh criticism from his former teammate Mitchell Johnson. Writing in his newspaper column, Johnson stated that David Warner did not deserve the hero’s farewell because of his role in the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal and his poor form in Tests in recent times.

While Johnson did face criticism for his remarks against David Warner, he also found support for questioning the opener’s spot in the playing XI. David Warner’s former opening partner Ed Cowan also said that the the southpaw did not deserve to be in Australia’s Test XI because of his poor performances in recent months.

David Warner shuts down critics:

Before the ongoing Test, David Warner had managed to score just 2 centuries in Tests since 2020. In his last 16 Test innings, he had reached the 50-run mark just twice. However, on Thursday, he bounced back in style and showed his class once again by scoring a stunning century against Pakistan.

He looked positive right from the word go despite the significant controversy that dominated the buildup to the game. After Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first, David Warner scored a quickfire fifty to help his side finish the first session on 117 for no loss in just 25 overs.

He reached his fifty off just 41 balls and was unbeaten on 72 off just 67 balls after the morning session. In the second session, he completed his fifty off 125 balls by hitting a four. The Australian star celebrated his century with his trademark jump and roar. Following this, David Warner added a ‘finger on the lips’ gesture, a clear response to his critics, including Johnson, who was present in the stadium as a commentator.

Watch:

?#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/pzraWkHmIa

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 14, 2023

A century to silence all the doubters. David Warner came out meaning business today.@nrmainsurance #MilestoneMoment #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/rzDGdamLGe

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 14, 2023

Talking about the game, Australia were on 216 for 2 in the 52nd over at the time of writing this report. Warner was batting on 114 while Steve Smith was unbeaten on 24.