Former Australia head coach Justin Langer has opined on Mitchell Johnson’s public criticism of David Warner, claiming that he broke an unwritten rule. The veteran also added that criticism is entirely justified as long as it is private. However, Johnson’s column for targeting Warner triggered mixed reactions from everyone. The Queenslander blamed the swashbuckling opener for not taking proper responsibility for his involvement in the ‘sandpaper’ scandal and also questioned the need to give a ‘struggling’ Test cricketer a grand send-off as well.

“In simple terms, I hate it when men from the rare club of playing cricket for Australia or any of their grievances publicly. I believe in a simple ethos of, ‘praise in public, 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.”

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Despite Mitchell Johnson’s criticism, David Warner responded in a composed manner, sharing that people are entitled to their opinions. However, the comments from his ex-teammate might motivate the New South Welshman to give his best against Pakistan. Giving Shane Warne’s example, Langer added that outsiders can criticize Aussie players as much as they want, but former and current players must stay together.

“There was always an unwritten rule that, although all of us may not be best of friends, the mutual respect of playing for Australia was enough to stop of us from criticising each other publicly. Let others criticise us, but we would tend to stick tight as a part of the Australian cricket culture. It never made much sense to me when our great mate Shane Warne publicly criticised Steve Waugh or John Buchanan,” he concluded.