Former Australia coach Justin Langer chides Mitchell Johnson over David Warner column

Justin Langer has weighed in on the feud between Mitchell Johnson and David Warner, telling the former fast bowler he was out of line in his volcanic column.

Justin Langer is angry that Mitchell Johnson’s volcanic feelings about David Warner were not vented behind closed doors.

In his column in today’s The West Australian, former Test coach Langer said it disturbed him that every person he talked to was talking about Johnson’s column in the same paper which fiercely criticised Warner rather than Thursday’s first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth.

“Not a single person has asked me about the cricket over the past couple of weeks. Instead, every question has been around Mitchell Johnson’s recent article,’’ Langer wrote.

“I hate it when men from the rare club of playing cricket for Australia air their grievances publicly.

“I believe in a simple ethos of, praise in public and criticise in private. In other words, if you want to say something publicly, be positive and use the opportunity to praise the person you are talking about. In contrast, if you want to criticise someone, look them in the eye and tell them how you are feeling.’’

Justin Langer has been left disappointed by Mitchell Johnson’s column. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

“But when it comes to this latest spat between two of my mates, Mitch and Davie, the only winner is the media machine, which eats this stuff for breakfast.

“Years ago, I used to shake my head in disbelief at the way players from other teams like England, South Africa and New Zealand would publish books or articles and use them as an opportunity to write each other off in public. It never made sense to me and I certainly never thought we would do it here in Australia.

“Anyone who knows me knows I am not one for shirking a single issue, but I do believe there are ways of getting your message across without getting personal.

“Mitch is one of the very best people I have met in the game. He is a gentle giant who was one of the great players and athletes I have seen. Like a lot of greats, he is also stubborn. While I don’t know the ins and outs of his gripe with Davie, I hope they can talk it out behind closed doors.’’