Mitchell Johnson criticizes Australian management for giving out of turn farewell to David Warner despite lack of accountability in Sandpapergate

Amid the anticipation for David Warner's farewell series, a cloud of controversy hovers over the veteran Southpaw from Australia. Mitchell Johnson, writing for The West Australian, has openly questioned the legitimacy of Warner nominating his retirement date. Mitchell Johnson, a former Australian cricketer, has been vocal about his concerns regarding Warner's form and the circumstances of his retirement. Johnson's critique revolves around the perceived arrogance and disrespect displayed by Warner, especially considering the whole 'Sandpapergate' scandal.

The infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa cast a shadow over David Warner's career. Despite five years having passed Johnson still believes that Warner has not fully owned up to the disgrace as he was also part of the Steve Smith-led management that planned and executed the whole sandpaper gate scandal.

David Warner faced a 12-month ban after the whole incident came to light. Johnson questions whether a player involved in one of Australian cricket's most significant scandals deserves a hero's send-off and the privilege of determining their retirement date.

The question of whether David Warner sees himself as bigger than the game and the team is central to the criticism. Johnson and others argue that no player, regardless of their contribution, should be immune to accountability.

One recurring theme in the criticism against Warner is the perception of arrogance. Johnson and others argue that Warner's attitude, both during the scandal and in his retirement announcement, reflects a lack of humility and accountability.

Why a struggling Test opener gets to nominate his own retirement date: Mitchell Johnson

Johnson wrote, "It’s been five years and David 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,”.

He further added“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 centre of one of the biggest scandals in Australian cricket history warrants a hero’s send-off?

 Mitchell Johnson's critique has sparked discussions about accountability, the impact of past scandals, and the appropriate way to honour a player's contributions and what Warner has to say about it will be interesting to see.