'He Is Not A Hero...' - Usman Khawaja on David Warner's 'Sandpaper-Gate' Remark By Mitchell Johnson

Usman Khawaja defended teammate David Warner (Twitter)

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has come to the defense of his opening partner David Warner amidst criticism from former teammate Mitchell Johnson. Johnson questioned Warner's place in the Test squad, citing both form and a perceived lack of full responsibility for the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. 

Khawaja, however, strongly supported Warner, emphasizing that he and Steve Smith are heroes in his mind. Khawaja acknowledged that while nobody is perfect, Warner and Smith had served their one-year suspension, and their contributions to the game far outweighed their past mistakes.

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Here's What Usman Khawaja said:

“Warner and Smith are heroes in my mind. They missed a year of cricket through dark times. No one’s perfect. Mitchell Johnson’s not perfect. What they have done for the game – how they have grown the game – far outweighs anything else they have done. To say Dave Warner or anyone else involved in sandpaper (gate) is not a hero … I strongly disagree because they have paid their dues. A year out of cricket is a long time.”

In response to Johnson's comments, Khawaja disagreed, asserting that Warner's commitment to the sport and the growth of cricket superseded any negative aspects. 

Warner, who has been named in the 14-man squad for the series-opener against Pakistan, has faced mixed form in recent Tests, averaging 28 since his triple century against Pakistan in 2019. 

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Despite the criticism, Khawaja highlighted Warner's significant impact on the game and expressed support for the veteran opener's desire to end his Test career at Sydney while continuing to contribute in white-ball cricket for Australia.