Melbourne, Dec 4: Former Australia left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson's criticism of David Warner hasn't gone down well with batter Usman Khawaja, who came out in strong defence of his opening partner, who is set to bid adieu to Test cricket at his home ground in Sydney in January next year. In a column for 'The West Australian' newspaper, Johnson questioned Warner's inclusion in the 14-member squad for the three-match Test series against Pakistan starting in Perth on December 14. Simon O’Donnell Criticises David Warner’s Retirement Plan Ahead of Pakistan Test Series, Says ‘Don’t Think Anyone Has the Right To Choose Farewell Tests’.

Johnson wrote that Warner, 37, doesn't deserve a place in the squad going by his form or merit, and he has not taken full responsibility for his role in the 'sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in 2018 for which he was banned for a year.

Khawaja backed Warner, his opening partner in Test cricket, and Steve Smith, who was the Australia captain during the infamous scandal. "Warner and Smith are heroes in my mind," Khawaja told reporters on Monday. "They missed a year of cricket through dark times. No one's perfect. Mitchell Johnson's not perfect."

"What they (Warner and Smith) 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 (gate) is not a hero... I strongly disagree because they have paid their dues. A year out of cricket is a long time," he added.

Khawaja also disagreed with Johnson's view that chairman of selectors George Bailey was too close to Warner. "I'm not sure you can argue with that. (The criticism) is harsh," Khawaja said. But former Australia Test captain Tim Paine feels Johnson had made some good observations about Warner's form.

"David hasn't been playing well and would other people be getting the run he's getting now? Probably not," Paine told SEN Radio. 'Who Said I’m Finished?' David Warner Dismisses his Retirement Talks After Australia's ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Title Win.

"But in my opinion, he's (Warner) got credits in the bank because he is one of the all-time greats. I think you can read between the lines that (Johnson) and Davey don't get along."

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