- Johnson criticized the selectors for not having a plan for Warner's replacement
- Johnson believes Bancroft or Renshaw deserve the opening position
- Fast Bowling Great does not believe Smith should be given the job
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Mitchell Johnson has taken a swipe at selectors following David Warner's farewell Test at the SCG, where the Aussie veteran capped off both his Test and ODI cricket careers.
Warner became the subject of intense scrutiny in the lead-up to the Perth Test, with his former teammate Johnson questioning his place in the squad.
Johnson confronted Warner over the opener's 'hero send-off' and opened old wounds from Sandpapergate in an explosive article for The West Australian, saying his ex-teammate did not deserve to be honored at the SCG after his role in the scandal.
The fast bowling giant called on selectors to use the Pakistan series to sign new players and introduce Warner's replacement.
However, the selectors still appear to have not decided who will open alongside Usman Khawaja, with Cameron Bancroft, Cameron Green and even Steve Smith mentioned for the role.
Mitchell Johnson has criticized selectors after David Warner's farewell Test at the SCG
Johnson believes the selectors should have a plan for Warner's replacement
Johnson has now criticized the selectors for not taking action sooner.
“Selectors have long known about Warner's nominated retirement date and should have had a plan in place.” he wrote in a column for The Western Australia.
“What have they said to state cricketers around selection: play your position and score runs?
“Cricket is all about adaptability, but it is also a game where you have to be confident in your role, whether that is at number three or four or as an opener.
'Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris have been asked to score runs at first-class level.
'What more could Bancroft have done to get another chance than last season and be the Sheffield Shield's leading points scorer again this season?
'Either Bancroft or Renshaw deserve to open the batting with Usman Khawaja in the first Test against the West Indies later this month.
“Bancroft, 31, for going back and doing what he was asked to do. Or Renshaw, 27, because he has had some success at Test level in the past and has more time left in the game.”
Who will replace opener David Warner (pictured walking from the SCG after his final Test innings) has been a hot topic around Australian cricket
Johnson believes Cameron Bancroft (pictured) or Matt Renshaw should be chosen
Johnson has previously hinted that more players would like to leave the Australian team, with eight players currently aged 32 or over.
Warner's opener partner Khawaja is 36, while skipper Steve Smith is 34. Nathan Lyon is 35, while Mitchell Starc is 33.