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Mitchell Johnson and David Warner. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Ahead of David Warner’s final Test series against Pakistan, former cricketer Mitchell Johnson criticised the southpaw, stating that the veteran doesn’t deserve a ‘hero send-off’, especially after his scandalous affairs in South Africa, for which the cricketer even served a one-year ban. Soon, a number of former cricketers including Ricky Ponting, Brad Haddin and Steve Waugh got involved in the discussion, while Johnson was released from the Triple M commentary panel for the upcoming three-match series.

Meanwhile, Warner finally opened up about the incident and stated that everyone is entitled to have their opinion regarding his final dance in red-ball cricket. He reminded there’s always a massive headline before every Australian summer but the 37-year-old isn’t concerned about that at all and is focused on doing well in the series.

“It wouldn’t be a summer without a headline, would it? It is what it is. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions. Moving forward, we’re looking forward to a nice Test over in the west,” Warner was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

We’re fiercely protective of each other: Pat Cummins

Meanwhile, skipper Pat Cummins has extended his support to David Warner ahead of the Test series against Pakistan, which is slated to begin on December 14. Cummins mentioned that he has played a lot of cricket with the likes of David Warner and Steve Smith and hence, he and the entire team is extremely protective of their teammates. The pacer added that there are a lot of positive messages coming for Warner and reminded him that he should focus on that.

“I think we protect each other a lot. We’ve been through a lot over the years, our boys. Someone like Davey (Warner) or Steve (Smith), I’ve played with them for a dozen years now so we’re fiercely protective of each other. Sometimes you’ve got to remind yourself of the amount of positive support that is out there.

“My parents taught me every day to fight and work hard. When you go onto the world stage and you don’t realise what comes with that, it’s a lot of media, a lot of criticism but a lot of positive,” Cummins said.