It has been quite an explosive build-up to the upcoming three-match Test series between Australia and Pakistan. Interestingly, the firing of the shots hasn’t been between the opposing camps.
And not the friendly fire kind either.
The man to have pulled the trigger first is former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson who raised eyebrows with his column in The West Australian as he questioned why his former teammate David Warner was being given a hero’s send-off despite his recent below-par form in Test cricket and involvement in the ball-tampering scandal of 2018.
He also said whether the current chief selector George Bailey is too close with the players. Bailey, in response, had questioned if Johnson ‘is OK’.
Johnson could now come face-to-face with Warner and other Australia stars during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth as he’ll be present in the Triple M radio commentary box.
Australia offspinner Nathan Lyon though has no qualms over greeting Johnson.
“If he’s (Johnson) around the ground I’ll say hello to him,” Lyon was quoted as saying by Wide World of Sports. “I’ve got no dramas with saying hello. He was pretty incredible in that 2013-14 Ashes and I’ve got some very fond memories of it, that’s for sure.”
Like his teammates, Lyon has put up a strong defense of Warner, highlighting his immense contribution to the Australian team.
“Knowing David for the last 13-14 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 feel like the Australian public probably realises the importance that David has played for the Australian cricket team over the last 13 years … I think I’ve played over 100 Test matches with David and to see what he’s been able to do for Australia is pretty amazing,” he added.
Warner is going to retire from Test cricket after the third Test of the series to be played in January.
Lyon is nearing a milestone that will put him in an elite list of Australia bowlers to have taken 500 Test wickets which currently includes Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.
The 36-year-old Lyon has 496 wickets from 122 Tests.
“It’s something I’m extremely proud of and when you look at it you’re slowly creeping your way up on two Australian greats who are the only two guys who have taken over 500 wickets for Australia,” Lyon said.
“It’s pretty amazing when you potentially see your name up alongside those guys. I feel like this stadium is world-class and the facilities we’ve had out here have been really exciting to bowl on and be a part of a strong bowling group. I like playing my role here, I enjoy bowling here, there’s nice bounce, a bit of spin there on offer, as well, so all in all a nice place to bowl,” he added.
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