- David Warner has explained the meaning behind his celebration
- Warner, 37, raised his hand to his mouth after hitting a century
- He spoke publicly for the first time in the Mitchell Johnson row
David Warner has spoken publicly for the first time about the criticism he received from Mitchell Johnson after scoring a sumptuous century against Pakistan.
Warner came under huge criticism from Johnson ahead of the Test summer, with the Australian Ashes hero claiming the opener does not deserve a farewell party due to his poor form and role in the sandpaper scandal.
But Warner hit back in the best possible way at Optus Stadium, celebrating by putting his hand over his mouth in what some fans thought was a dig at Johnson.
The 37-year-old explained the meaning behind his gesture – which he described as a “nice little quiet silence” – at tree stumps.
“It's just everyone wanting to write stories about me and, you know, if you try to use headlines, you get headlines, that kind of thing doesn't bother me. It's just the fact that I have to go there, do what I have to do. And I can celebrate however I want,” Warner said.
David Warner has explained the meaning behind his celebration after reaching a century
Warner silenced vocal critic Mitchell Johnson at Optus Stadium on Thursday
Pat Cummins and Steve Smith have strongly defended their teammate in the press, and Warner went on to discuss the hottest topic in cricket.
'Mitch is entitled to his opinion. He is a former player. You saw in Justin Langer's comments that he is entitled to it. You can go back to Justin Langer's comments and reference them, and so be it,” Warner said, referencing a previous Langer column in which he said former players should not comment on the current team.
News Corp reports that there has been no reconciliation between Warner and Johnson in recent days.
Johnson was in the commentary box to watch Warner's stunning strike but declined to comment when approached by the media at the end of the game.
He was asked on Triple M if he thought Warner's direction was biased against him.
'Who knows?' Johnson said.
The 37-year-old spoke for the first time about the criticism he has received from Johnson
“He has a hundred for his country.”
Johnson was keen to move on from the drama when he arrived at Optus Stadium.
“Look, I wasn't supposed to be here, based on what I was told,” Johnson said in reference to previous reports that he had been dropped from Triple M's coverage.
'I was happy to be here. It's been an interesting time. I have given my opinion. I said what I said and we'll move on.'