Australia's selectors have stuck with David Warner for the opening Test of the summer despite his meagre output with the bat and a scathing attack delivered by Mitchell Johnson, which reignited the ball-tampering saga.
Warner features in a 14-man squad announced by Cricket Australia on Sunday morning, as Pat Cummins' men prepare to face Pakistan in Perth from December 14.
Warner's selection came hours after former Test quick Johnson blasted his ex-teammate in a column published in The West Australian.
"Does this really warrant a swan song, a last hurrah against Pakistan that was forecast a year in advance as if he was bigger than the game and the Australian cricket team?" Johnson wrote.
"It's been five years and Warner has still never really owned the ball-tampering scandal.
"Now the way he is going out is underpinned by more of the same arrogance and disrespect to our country."
Johnson sent down more chin music as he drew attention to Warner's plan for a farewell Test in Sydney.
"What will fans bring for Warner? Bunnings would sell out of sandpaper," Johnson wrote.
"Ultimately, an international cricket career is not just about your statistical achievements with bat or ball. How you held yourself and how you played the game will live long after you depart.
"Australia coach Andrew McDonald said recently they will be picking this summer's Test squad based on current performances. It would be nice to know how long this strategy has been in place because it doesn't seem to have applied to Warner for quite a while."
MORE TO COME.
Australian squad for first Test of summer
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner
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