Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, has responded to Mitchell Johnson’s criticism of David Warner’s inclusion in the Test series against Pakistan. Johnson had expressed his disapproval of Warner’s selection, questioning whether Bailey’s close ties with players influenced the decision. In his column for The West Australian, Johnson specifically highlighted Bailey’s reluctance to be involved in deciding Tim Paine’s fate due to their friendship.
Responding to Johnson’s comments, Bailey expressed concern for Johnson’s well-being and defended his approach as a selector. He emphasized the importance of being aware of players’ situations and team plans, suggesting that distance may not be more beneficial. Bailey also addressed the issue of Warner’s recent Test form, acknowledging a dip in his averages since 2020 but asserting that Warner remains one of Australia’s best players in the longest format.
David Warner Test Form: Numbers Speak Louder Than Words
David Warner, with 109 Test matches and 8487 runs at an average of 44.33, boasts an impressive red-ball career, including 25 centuries and 36 half-centuries. Despite his recent struggles, Bailey justified Warner’s selection for the upcoming Test, emphasizing the significance of each match in the World Test Championship points system. He stated that the focus is on picking the best 11 players for the job, and Warner fits into that plan.
Bailey acknowledged the ongoing search for Warner’s successor, recognizing the challenge of finding a player capable of applying pressure on the opposition, similar to Warner’s impact. He drew parallels to the post-Warne era in Australian cricket when spinners were shuffled in an attempt to replicate Shane Warne’s success. Bailey emphasized the need to find the right fit post-Warner and acknowledged the difficulty of replacing someone who has played a dominant role for an extended period.
Bailey defended the decision to include David Warner in the Test squad, citing his experience and past contributions to the team. He addressed the challenges of finding a suitable successor and emphasized the importance of tempering expectations for the player who eventually takes on Warner’s role in the team.
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