Mystery over Mitchell Johnson commentary gig in shock fallout to Warner saga

Mitchell Johnson is set for a blockbuster appearance at the first Test of the summer as the fallout to his David Warner criticism continues.

The fallout from Mitchell Johnson’s scathing column has continued after he was left off a major radio station’s list of commentators for the upcoming summer of cricket.

Johnson took the cricket world by surprise on the weekend when he took aim at David Warner for not owning the sandpaper scandal and slammed selector George Bailey for not making the tough call to send the opener into retirement.

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The former fast bowler gave some context to his blistering comments, revealing on his podcast that the column was spurred by a message Warner sent him earlier in the year.

He’s also said that he regrets the sandpaper drive-by at Warner, adding that the 2018 scandal has affected his enjoyment of cricket.

So there was plenty of intrigue and anticipation over whether Johnson would cross paths with Warner or Bailey at the first Test of the summer in Perth next week.

Johnson seemed ready to be part of Triple M’s team in Perth, telling his podcast: “I’m all good. I will be doing some commentary for Triple M in the first Test. We’ll see what happens there.”

Mitchell Johnson has a lit a fire under the summer of cricket. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Johnson slammed David Warner’s farewell tour. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

But the fast bowler, who took 313 Test wickets in his career, was nowhere to be seen on a list of 18 commentators issued by Triple M on Tuesday promote their cricket coverage.

Triple M unveiled its commentary team for the summer of cricket, which will feature Mark Taylor, Greg Blewett, Merv Hughes, Mark Waugh, Brad Haddin, Callum Ferguson, Aaron Finch, Darren Lehman, Ian Botham and Wasim Akram.

But Johnson’s absence from the list was surprising, especially given his stints behind the microphone would be must listen after his column set a fuse for an otherwise lacklustre summer of action against Pakistan and the West Indies.

News.com.au has contacted Triple M for comment.

Accoridng to CODE Sports, Johnson is all but certain to be behind the microphone in Perth with Triple M despite being left off the list of commentators.

Johnson has been a regular in the commentary box in recent years.

Candice Warner, who Johnson described as “cringey” for her defence of her husband’s David’s spot in the team, is in Triple M’s stable of hosts for the station’s Sydney shows.

Johnson has commentated for Triple M and previously been part of the ABC’s team of expert callers in recent summers.

Australia take on Pakistan in the first Test of a three match series beginning next Thursday in Perth.

The Aussies play the West Indies in two Tests in January.