Usman Khawaja claims David Warner is an ‘Australian hero’ as opening batter hits back at Mitchell Johnson after former fast bowler slammed plans for veteran’s swansong

Usman Khawaja has fired back at Mitchell Johnson's criticism of Test teammate David Warner, declaring his opening partner 'a hero' who has paid his dues for the Sandpaper gate scandal.

Former fast bowler Johnson said his old teammate Warner did not deserve to be given a bye in the third Test of the summer series against Pakistan.

Johnson said Warner had not taken full responsibility for his role in the 2018 Sandpaper gate affair in South Africa, which earned him a 12-month ban.

He wondered 'why a player at the center of one of the biggest scandals in Australian cricket history warrants the dismissal of a hero'.

Khawaja said he “strongly disagreed” with Johnson's column in the Western Australian newspaper, adding that Warner and former skipper Steve Smith, who was also banned for a year, should have paid for their mistakes.

Usman Khawaja has labeled David Warner a 'hero' amid ongoing conversations about his legacy

Mitchell Johnson launched a scathing attack on Warner this weekend

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“Davey Warner and Steve Smith are heroes in my eyes,” Khawaja said.

“They missed a year of cricket due to dark times in Australian cricket, but they paid their dues.

'Nobody is perfect. Mitchell Johnson isn't perfect. I am not perfect. Steve Smith isn't perfect. David Warner isn't perfect.

“What they have done for the game and to grow the game far outweighs anything else they have done.

“So if (Johnson) is implying that Dave Warner or anyone else involved in Sandpaper-(gate) is not a hero, I strongly disagree because I believe they have paid their dues.”

Khawaja said he also disagreed with Johnson's comments that chairman of selectors George Bailey was too close to Warner and the other players.

He said Bailey brought a “breath of fresh air” to the role.

Under Bailey's chairmanship, Australia won the 2021-22 Ashes and retained them in 2023, as well as winning the 2021 T20 World Cup, this year's World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup.

''I'm not sure you can argue with that. (The criticism) is harsh,” Khawaja said.

Khawaja also praised the influence of coach Andrew McDonald, although he did respond to McDonald's recent comments on SEN Radio that Marnus Labuschagne was an option to replace Warner as opener in the Test team.

'Did you ask Marnus this? I think he would tell you a very clear 'no',” Khawaja said.

Khawaja insisted that Warner has “paid his dues” following the 2018 sandpaper scandal

'Marnus has an opening inflammation. I'm pretty sure Davey Warner hurt his arm and sent Alex Carey out to open. I think that's a gamble.'

Khawaja said he had no preference on who got the gig but emphasized that it should be a regular opener.

Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris are all in contention.

'Opening is not easy. I can tell you that because I have batted Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for Australia and the opening is by far the most difficult,” Khawaja said.

'It's very difficult to put something there that hasn't opened yet.

'I'm sure if you put Marnus there he would do very well, but would he do as well as in third place?

“I'm not sure and I wouldn't want to take the risk.”