December 4th 2023.
Usman Khawaja has come out in strong defense of David Warner after Mitchell Johnson criticized the Australian opener's inclusion in the squad for the three-match test series against Pakistan. Johnson had questioned Warner's form and merit, and blamed him for taking no responsibility for his role in the 'sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in 2018.
Khawaja backed Warner, and Steve Smith, who was the Australia captain during the scandal. He said, "Warner and Smith are heroes in my mind. They missed a year of cricket through dark times. No one's perfect. Mitchell Johnson's not perfect. What they have done for the game - how they have grown the game - far outweighs anything else they have done. To say Dave Warner or anyone else involved in sandpaper is not a hero... I strongly disagree because they have paid their dues. A year out of cricket is a long time."
Khawaja also disagreed with Johnson's view that chairman of selectors George Bailey was too close to Warner. He said, "I'm not sure you can argue with that. It's harsh." But former Australia Test captain Tim Paine feels Johnson had made some good observations about Warner's form. He said, "David hasn't been playing well and would other people be getting the run he's getting now? Probably not. But in my opinion, he's got credits in the bank because he is one of the all-time greats. I think you can read between the lines that Mitchell and Davey don't get along."
It is clear that Usman Khawaja strongly disagrees with Johnson's criticism and backs Warner and Smith. He believes that they have paid their dues and have done a lot for the game. Paine also believes that Johnson had made some good observations about Warner's form, though he acknowledges his credits in the bank. It remains to be seen what the outcome of this debate will be.
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