Big twist in Mitchell Johnson's fight with David Warner as batter's reaction to extraordinary attack is revealed and Pat Cummins breaks his silence on clash that has rocked cricket

The feud between Mitchell Johnson and David Warner continues to fester, with the batter reportedly contacting a number of former players to try and understand why the legendary left-arm fast bowler unleashed on him.

Johnson didn't mince his words in an explosive newspaper column in which he claimed Warner did not deserve a 'hero's farewell' this summer given his involvement in the notorious Sandpapergate cheating scandal in 2018. 

The ex-paceman also highlighted Warner's lack of runs in Tests in recent years before singling out chairman of selectors George Bailey.

He then doubled down on his criticism of Warner and Bailey on a podcast with cricket writer Bharat Sundaresan.

Now it has been reported that  Warner - who wants to retire from the Test arena during January's SCG clash with Pakistan - wants to know why Johnson targeted him personally in the column.

Warner 'has contacted current and former Australian players' to try and get a read on Johnson as the Aussie opener remains 'in the dark' following the attack, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

One source told the publication: 'It's the fourth or fifth time Mitch has unloaded on what has been a pretty successful Australian side.'

Many current stars are said to be bemused by Johnson's scathing criticism, given the Aussies won the World Test Championship, the recent ODI World Cup in India and retained the Ashes this year.

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh stressed Johnson and Warner 'are both adults who are entitled to their opinions and should be able to handle criticism.'

Current skipper Pat Cummins confirmed on Friday the playing group had rallied around Warner.

'We protect each other a lot. We have been through a lot over the years,' he said in Sydney on Friday.

'I've played alongside someone like Davey or Steve [Smith] for a dozen years now. [We are] fiercely protective of each other.

'It is hard to say [what Mitch's motivation is]. You will have to ask Mitch. But there are so many things we should be celebrating about Australian cricket at the moment.

'There are so many exciting things about Australian cricket at the moment and I think we should be focusing and talking about that.'

Cummins also defended selector Bailey, whose Johnson felt was 'too close' to the players.

'I think it has been brilliant. George has been fantastic. He makes my job really easy,' Cummins said.

'I remember a couple of old coaches of mine saying the playing XI will always look after itself. It is the guys on the fringes who are always the hardest to manage because they have obvious disappointments.

'Seeing the way George has managed that over the years, it's been brilliant. I have never seen a selector be as hands on and as impressive as George has been.'

The first Test against Pakistan at Optus Stadium in Perth begins on December 14. 

Johnson is tipped to be in the commentary box for Triple M, where he could be required to interview Warner in scenes which could be beyond awkward.