- David Warner picked for opening Test
- Opener's position has been the subject of debate
- Mitchell Johnson has shot a veteran player
Australian selectors have stuck with David Warner for the first Test of the summer, keeping the veteran opener's dreams of a farewell at the SCG in January alive.
Warner is part of a 14-man squad announced on Sunday as Australia prepares for the three-Test series against Pakistan at Optus Stadium in Perth, starting on December 14.
Warner's selection for the squad comes just hours after former fast bowler Mitchell Johnson branded the veteran 'arrogant' and questioned whether he 'justified the departure of a hero'.
“Is this really worth a swan song, a last hurray against Pakistan who was predicted a year in advance as if they were bigger than the game and the Australian cricket team?” wrote Johnson The Western Australia.
“It's been five years and Warner still has never really gotten the ball tampering scandal under control.
Australian selectors have stuck with David Warner for the opening Test against Pakistan
Mitchell Johnson launched an extraordinary attack on Warner in an explosive column
“The way he's going out now is backed by more of the same arrogance and disrespect toward our country.”
Warner will start the summer opener with Usman Khawaja despite having scored just one Test century since January 2020, a memorable 200 against South Africa in last year's Boxing Day match.
Even if Warner's form is shaky in Perth and Melbourne, the selectors will not make a change unless Australia faces an unlikely challenge from a Pakistan team that is floundering amid continued dysfunction at board level and within their administration.
Nathan Lyon will play his first Test since tearing a calf muscle during the Ashes, replacing young tweaker Todd Murphy.
Western Australian tearaway Lance Morris has also been included in the 14-man squad.
Mitch Marsh is likely to retain the all-rounder position at No. 6 after WA teammate Cameron Green was dropped during the Ashes.
“This group, led by Pat Cummins, has built a strong CV over an extended period of time,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey.
“We believe they have earned the opportunity to start in our first home Test match at the start of the new World Test Championship cycle.
Warner struggled with the bat in Britain this year despite the Aussies retaining the Ashes
Nathan Lyon returns to the team after a serious calf injury
'Thirteen members of the squad were part of the victorious World Test Championship and successful Ashes tours over the winter and Lance Morris has been recalled after recovering from his back injury during the same period.
'As always, there will be opportunities to break into this squad in the short to medium term and we look forward to continued strong performances from domestic players, many of whom will be given a great opportunity in the eleventh match from the Prime Minister. against Pakistan later this week.”