Cricket news: David Warner, Pat Cummins, Michael Vaughan respond to Mitchell Johnson’s personal attack

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has spoken out on Mitchell Johnson’s criticism of David Warner, arguing that it’s not fair for Sandpapergate to still hang over him.

Michael Vaughan has urged Australia to ordain David Warner an all-time great, arguing it’s “completely unfair” for Sandpapergate to still hang over him.

The former England captain did not wish to criticise former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson over his personal attack on Warner, given he himself makes a career from having strong opinions for Fox Cricket.

However, the sentiment raised by Johnson that Warner should be still somehow punished for his involvement in a scandal that happened more than five years ago, has been slammed by Vaughan, who argues the 12-month ban dished out to the opener at the time was already over the top.

Vaughan said it would be a travesty of justice if people’s prejudices about Sandpapergate stop Warner from being honoured with what he feels is a rightful place in the annals as a “legend” of the game.

David Warner, Mitchell Johnson and Steve Smith in 2015. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

“I think it’s completely unfair. I said when it happened that a 12-month ban for both him and Steve Smith was just far too extreme,” Vaughan told this masthead at the launch of Kayo Sport’s summer of cricket.

“The crime wasn’t worthy of the penalty that came with it.

“I do think David Warner is a great of the game. Because of what’s happened and because Dave’s had some controversy in his career, I think there’s some people who won’t give him that mantle and won’t talk about him in those lights.

“But you only have to look at his record. His record in World Cups.

“I think the only area of his batting that you would say he’s had a vulnerability is Stuart Broad around the wicket with the Duke’s ball.

“Otherwise he’s pretty much dominated throughout the whole of his career and he’s been great to watch.”

The other foundation of Johnson’s staggering attack on Warner’s character was a notion that the Australian opener was performing a “victory lap.”

Vaughan also shot down that theory, arguing Warner had never said anything presumptuous, and had merely stated that playing through to a farewell Test in his home town Sydney was his “hope.”

“First and foremost I don’t think David Warner said he’s playing. He’s said he’s available for selection. So it’s up to the selectors to pick him,” Vaughan said.

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan says Warner deserves to go down as an all-time great for Australia. Picture: AFP

“I think we all know he’s going to get three games in Australia on these wickets the way I saw him play in the World Cup, I’ll pretty much guarantee he’ll score runs and he’ll go out with a bang.

“He’s got such a strong mindset. I think he’s a legend of the game.

“Do you as a legend have the right to have six months of a farewell? Well, he’s not actually asked for that. He just announced his retirement (date) and that he hopes to be playing in that Test match in Sydney.

“There’s not many players who get the fairytale ending but you would say David Warner if he gets through to that last Test, which I’d back him to do so, he’s earned the right to have that fairytale send-off on his home ground.

Warner on Friday opted against hitting back at Johnson, but captain Pat Cummins launched a passionate defence of his Test opener.

“It wouldn’t be a summer without a headline would it,” Warner said.

“It is what it is. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But moving forward, looking forward to a nice Test over in the West.

Pat Cummins has defended teammate Warner. Picture: Saeed KHAN/AFP

Asked by fellow Fox Sports and Kayo – and Australian star – Alyssa Healy how he handles the intense scrutiny that always seems to come his way, Warner said he was built to “fight”.

“Where you grow up. I resonate with where I grew up. For me it was a great upbringing with my parents. They told me every day to fight and work hard. My parents ingrained that into me,” Warner said.

“When you get onto the world stage, you don’t realise what comes with that. There’s a lot of media. A lot of criticism. But a lot of positivity and I think what is more important is what you see here today (the fans).”

Two summers’ ago it was Cummins who was labelled “gutless” by Johnson and earlier this week it was Warner and Bailey who were targeted by the former fast bowling great who won the 2015 World Cup with all three men.

Cummins’ refused to go back at Johnson, but did defend his long-term teammate, Warner.

“I certainly don’t agree with what he said. But everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Cummins said.

“I think Davey is pretty good at firing himself up in the moment and going into his last three Test matches you know he’s going to get the best out of himself. He’s faced criticism his whole career and keeps showing time and time again he’s class.

“I think we protect each other a lot. We’ve been through a lot over the years. Our boys. I’ve played with (players like Dave and Steve Smith) for a dozen years. We are fiercely protective of each other.”

Originally published as Cricket news: David Warner, Pat Cummins, Michael Vaughan respond to Mitchell Johnson’s personal attack