Mitchell Johnson takes aim at selectors as search for David Warner's replacement continues
Mitchell Johnson has taken another shot at Australian selector George Bailey, questioning the lack of prior planning in the search to replace David Warner.
After 13 years in the side, Warner bowed out last week to varying degrees of fanfare, scoring a match-winning 57 in Sydney to secure a series whitewash against Pakistan.
The 37-year-old's departure leaves a gaping hole at the top of the Test order, with a plethora of potential candidates in the mix to fill the role against the West Indies.
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Mitchell Johnson has been on the warpath against George Bailey throughout the summer. Getty
But in his latest column for The West Australian, Johnson took aim at the selection panel and believes there needed to be a clear directive to first-class contenders.
Warner flagged his retirement about eight months in advance.
"Selectors have long known about Warner's nominated retirement date and should have had a plan in place," Johnson wrote.
"What have they been saying to state cricketers around selection - play in your position and score runs?
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"Cricket is all about being adaptable but it's also a game where you need to be confident in your role – whether that's at No.3 or four or as an opener."
In the same column, Johnson called for the inclusion of Cameron Bancroft in the Test line-up to face the West Indies next week, with the right-hander leading the Sheffield Shield run-scoring tally this season.
The lingering heat between Johnson and Bailey, as well as his clear disdain for Warner and his SCG swansong, has been a talking point of the home summer.
Mitchell Johnson vs David Warner has been the cricket story of the summer. Nine
Prior to the series opener against Pakistan, the former left-arm quick scolded Warner over his desire to retire on his own terms, as well as dragging up private animosity between the pair that has now become very public.
Johnson has also been critical of Bailey and his relationship with a number of senior players, with the selector brushing aside the comments in December.
"I've been sent little snippets of it," Bailey said prior to the Perth Test.
"I hope he's OK."
At this stage, there has been no definitive call regarding Warner's replacement, with the likes of Bancroft and Steve Smith seemingly at the top of the pile.
Australia will kick off its two-game Test series against the Windies on January 17.
