Former Australian pacer tells Shane Warne to ‘shut up’ after his criticism of Mitchell Starc and Usman Khawaja

Australian batter Usman Khawaja shined with the willow on Day 2 of the ongoing fourth Ashes Test in Sydney, smashing a stunning century to put the hosts on top. The 35-year-old, who was playing in his first Test since 2019, top-scored with 137, inspiring Australia to stay ahead over England as Pat Cummins declared the first innings at 416/8.

Following Khawaja’s splendid batting display, former Australia pacer Chadd Sayers suggested Aussie spin legend Shane Warne to ‘shut up’ concerning Warne’s negative opinion about Khawaja’s inclusion in the XI.

Sayers also lashed out at Warne’s criticism of speedster Mitchell Starc, who had been quite impressive in the Ashes series so far. Starc is currently the highest wicket-taker in the series, with 15 dismissals to his credit in three matches.

Notably, Warne had questioned Starc’s place in the XI and endorsed for Jhye Richardson to replace the left-arm fast bowler. Ahead of the first Ashes Test, Warne reckoned that Starc wasn’t bowling well at all, and therefore the New South Wales pacer should be replaced with Richardson.

“He needs to find a bit of rhythm and some form. He had a really poor [T20] World Cup. He’s just not bowling well enough. It’s too important at the Gabba. So I’m all for Jhye Richardson,” Warne had said.

Then, ahead of the fourth Test, the former leg-spinner went on to question the inclusion of Khawaja as Travis Head‘s replacement at number five, stating that Mitchell Marsh was the better option.

“Australia has been waiting a long time for Mitchell Marsh to come good, and right at the moment, he’s in the form of his life. For me, I just think as a bowler, who would I rather bowl to, Khawaja or Mitchell Marsh? I’d much rather bowl to Khawaja,” Warne had mentioned.

In response to Warne’s comments about Starc and Khawaja, Sayers, who played one Test for Australia in 2018, slammed the leggie on Twitter. He wrote: “Shane Warne keeps bagging his own Aussie players. Went hard at Starc – Wrong and now Uzzie – wrong #shutup.”

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Shane Warne keeps bagging his own Aussie players. Went hard at Starc – Wrong and now Uzzie – wrong #shutup

— Chadd Sayers (@Chaddsayers27) January 6, 2022