• Home
  • Who Said What
  • I Hope Hes Okay Bailey Hits Back At Mitchell Johnson Over Warner Controversy

'I Hope He's Okay' - Bailey Hits Back At Mitchell Johnson Over Warner Controversy

image-lpqhpzz4Johnson had questioned the persistent rope given to struggling Warner (Twitter)

Cricket Australia's Cheif Selector George Bailey wasn't pleased with former pacer Mitchell Johnson over his controversial remarks against him as the Cheif Selector in allowing experienced opener David Warner to continue playing Tests and dictating his point of departure from the scene. 

In a column written for The West Australian, Johnson had questioned the integrity of the selection by stating Bailey as a former teammate is too close to some of the active players to be able to make objective decisions and insisted Warner has had a lucky escape with his Test match spot.

Johnson blasted Warner for pre-announcing his desired farewell ground, having said at the start of the Ashes 2023 that he wishes to end his Test career via the looming New Year's Test against Pakistan at the SCG. 

The former pacer noted Warner's sustained slump with the bat - an average of 28.90 from the previous 25 Tests with just one century - and claimed arrogance on the opener's part while accusing him of never truly owing his role and responsibility in the Newlands 2018 ball-tampering saga.


Bailey responds to Johnson amidst Warner selection row 

Bailey responded to the two-fold allegation on him and Warner in their respective roles in a steadfast defence against Johnson's remarks. 

"I’ve been sent little snippets of the article. I hope he’s okay," Bailey told the press after selecting Australia's 14-member squad for the first Test.

Bailey, who played with Warner at the height of their respective careers, underlined the man's value to the set-up and also laid bare plans to replace the extravagant Test opener. 

"I think when you’ve had someone who’s had that longevity and been so dominating in the role, it’s just to temper the expectations of whoever is going to be the replacement there," Bailey said. 

"I don’t think you ever try and replicate someone who’s played a role as someone has, and done it as well as someone has, and I’d put David in that category in the way he’s opened the batting for Australia for such a long period of time."