Mitchell Johnson reignites 'Sandpaper Gate' scandal as David Warner is set to receive 'hero's send-off'

David Warner, one of the greatest cricketers in Australian history, will don the whites for the one last time when his side takes on Pakistan in the Test series this month. Australia will host the Men in Green for a three-match series starting on December 16. Warner has not fared well in red-ball cricket in recent years but is set to receive a farewell match in Sydney in January 2024.

However, former Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson did not like the inclusion of the veteran opener in the squad despite his lack of form in the format. Johnson did not hold back as he brought up the famous 'Sandpaper Gate' scandal to criticise the move by Chief Selector George Bailey. The left-arm quick pointed out that a player involved in one of the biggest scandals did not deserve a "hero's send-off".

"As we prepare for David Warner's farewell series, can somebody please tell me why? Why a struggling Test opener gets to nominate his own retirement date? And why a player at the center of one of the biggest scandals in Australian cricket history warrants a hero's send-off?," Johnson wrote in his column for The West Australian.

"It's the ball-tampering disgrace in South Africa that many will never forget. Although Warner wasn't alone in Sandpaper Gate, he was at the time a senior member of the team and someone who liked to use his perceived power as a 'leader'," he added. 

International career is not just about your statistical achievements: Johnson

Johnson also slammed his countryman for not disclosing his involvement in the scandal even five years later. He noted that a professional cricketer is remembered not only for what he achieved with bat or ball but also for how he played. 

“It’s been five years and Warner has still never really owned the ball-tampering scandal. Now the way he is going out is underpinned by more of the same arrogance and disrespect to our country. What will fans bring for Warner? Bunnings would sell out of sandpaper," he wrote.

"Ultimately, an international cricket career is not just about your statistical achievements with bat or ball. How you held yourself and how you played the game will live long after you depart," said the former Aussie quick.