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Days after scathing attack on former teammate and Australian opener, David Warner, Mitchell Johnson has now opened up on the reason behind this move. Speaking on his podcast, Mitchell Johnson Cricket Show, the former Australian cricketer revealed the messages he received led to this move.
Also Read: Mitchell Johnson questions “hero send-off” for David Warner; reignites sandpaper gate scandal
The former cricketer from West Australian said that it all began when he had received “quite personal” message back in April 2023 from Warner in response to a column he wrote after Candice Warner, wife of David Warner defended her husband’s place in the Test team. However, Mitchell Johnson refrained from revealing Warner’s message, he clarified that the Aussie opener was long wanting his farewell in Sydney.
“I got a message from Dave, which was quite personal. I tried to ring to try and talk to him about it, which I’ve always been open to. I know I’ve been open to the guys when I finished playing. I said if I’m in the media and writing things or saying things that you don’t like, just come and speak to me,” Mitchell Johnson opened up in his podcast, adding that this message was a difficult one to take.
“It was never a personal thing then until this point. This probably what drove me to write the article as well, part it of. It was definitely a factor. Some of the stuff that was aid in that, I won’t say it. I think that’s up to Dave to say it if he wants to talk about it. There was some stuff in there that was extremely disappointing, what he said, and pretty bad to be honest,” Johnson further added.
Mitchell Johnson hits back at George Bailey's comments
Additionally, the 42-year-old also added that the comments made by Australia's Chairman of Selector, George Bailey were tough t o swallow. Johnson revealed that he felt “hurt” on Bailey’s comments questioning his mental health. “To ask if I’m okay because I’ve had mental health issues is pretty much downplaying my article and putting it on my mental health, which is quite disgusting, I think,” he stated.
“It’s basically having a dig at someone’s mental health and saying that I must have something going on, a mental health issue ha made me say what I have aid. That’s not the truth. That’s completely the opposite,” he concluded.
