The unexpected saga involving David Warner and Mitchell Johnson has stirred the cricketing world. Johnson’s public opposition to Warner’s Test team selection for the Pakistan series and his criticism of the ‘hero’s sendoff’ has triggered responses from various Australian cricketers. South African great AB de Villiers has also entered the conversation, advising the duo to address their issues privately and expressing a belief that there’s more to unfold in this controversy.
Avoiding Public Dispute
In a video on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers expressed his discomfort with the public nature of the conversation between Warner and Johnson. He urged the two cricketers to initiate a private discussion and resolve their differences off the field, away from public scrutiny.
De Villiers suggested a straightforward approach to Warner and Johnson: “Just pick up the phone and sort it out. Ask the guy let’s go out for a cold drink and sort the issues out.” He emphasized the importance of keeping internal matters within the dressing room and not allowing them to escalate into a public dispute.
Acknowledging the long history of Warner and Johnson playing together and sharing the dressing room, De Villiers speculated that there might be underlying issues from their time together. He hinted at potential scars from the dressing room, contributing to the public dispute. De Villiers believes that more details might emerge as the controversy unfolds.
Johnson’s Criticism in Column
In Johnson’s column, he questioned Warner’s eligibility for a hero’s sendoff due to his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal. The former cricketer also scrutinized Cricket Australia’s selection committee for choosing Warner, considering his poor form in red-ball cricket over the past 2-3 years.
AB de Villiers shared his personal experience of playing with Warner, describing him as a fearsome character on the field but a gentle giant off it. While recognizing Warner’s intensity during matches, De Villiers highlighted the Australian cricketer’s amiable nature off the field. He drew parallels with the occasional short fuse displayed by both Warner and his fellow Delhi Daredevils teammate, Dale Steyn.
As the public dispute continues to capture attention, AB de Villiers’ insights add another layer to the evolving narrative of the Warner-Johnson controversy.
