'Anyone can get a headline, thank God Mitchell Johnson isn't selector' - David Warner's manager hits back at former pacer

Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson came into the spotlight after he recently criticised Australian opener David Warner and chief selector George Bailey. Warner is set to bid adieu to the red-ball format after playing the upcoming three-match Test series at home versus Pakistan.

Johnson, who won the 2015 ODI World Cup alongside Warner, couldn't believe how he was getting to decide his farewell route. Johnson lambasted the diminutive batter for not owning up for the infamous 'Sandpaper Gate' scandal and also questioned his selection in the Test team after struggling to score consistently in the format in recent years.

After Johnson's scathing attack, Warner's manager James Erskine has come out in defence of the southpaw, explaining why his selection in the Test team is justified. Erskine joked that it is good Johnson isn't a selector.

“Let me tell you, anyone can get a headline. The fact is [Warner’s selection] is just logical. The three [replacement] candidates will be [Matthew] Renshaw, [Cameron] Bancroft – who has played pretty well in the Sheffield Shield – and [Marcus] Harris. Now they’ve all had spells opening the batting for Australia. David is in good form. Thank God Mitchell Johnson isn’t a Test selector," Erskine was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

David Warner had a sensational ODI World Cup 2023 campaign

The 37-year-old was in fine form during the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023. He finished the tournament as the sixth-highest run-getter in the tournament. In 11 games, Warner amassed 535 runs at an average of 48.64 and a strike rate of 108.29. He scored two hundreds and two fifties during the campaign and was one of the standout performers for Australia as they bagged a record-extending sixth ODI World Cup title.

Warner will look to finish his Test career on a high. The first Test is set to commence on Thursday, December 14, in Perth. The second Test will be played in Melbourne while the third and final encounter is scheduled to be held in Sydney.