The renewed debate intensified after former India spinner Murali Kartik voiced skepticism over Cummins' denials, arguing on Cricbuzz that bowlers naturally would have known about illegal efforts to alter the ball. Kartik criticized the narrative that only Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were involved, questioning why those three were the sole players punished. Adding to the tension, Warner recently accused Cricket Australia of a deliberate cover-up, claiming the governing body failed to interview bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, or Nathan Lyon in 2018.
Key points
Murali Kartik argued it is implausible that Australian bowlers were kept in the dark abou…: Murali Kartik argued it is implausible that Australian bowlers were kept in the dark about ball tampering intended to help them.
Cricket Australia's official 2018 investigation maintained that knowledge of the sandpape…: Cricket Australia's official 2018 investigation maintained that knowledge of the sandpaper scheme was strictly limited to three players.
Accusations from former players continue to cast doubt on the thoroughness of the initial…: Accusations from former players continue to cast doubt on the thoroughness of the initial inquiry into the Cape Town scandal.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Former India spinner
Murali Kartik has backed
Usman Khawaja in the ongoing debate over the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, questioning
Pat Cummins' claim that he was unaware of the plan to use sandpaper during the Cape Town Test against South Africa.
The controversy resurfaced after Khawaja made several claims in his memoir, Sabr, suggesting that the entire Australian team, including current Test captain Cummins, knew about the plan to alter the condition of the ball.
Cummins rejected the allegations during a press conference on Friday, describing Khawaja's claims as "complete and utter nonsense".
Kartik, however, sided with Khawaja and said it was difficult to believe that the bowlers were unaware of a plan that was allegedly being carried out for their benefit.
"When it happened, there was a mini probe and three players were sent to the galley. Everyone knew what was happening. The problem is that if and when something like this happens, it's for the sake of the bowlers. 'Devious, underhand, wrong' - let's not go there. Once that is happening, and if I am the bowler while the…
The defeat concludes a turbulent second half of the year for the world number two, who failed to capture any titles after March and surrendered the top ranking at the US Open. Elina Svitolina's decisive victory ended a six-year drought against the Belarusian and earned her a spot in Saturday's semifinals against Linda Noskova.
The broadcast celebrated the 50th anniversary of the King's Trust while showcasing how prominent musicians have championed the royal charity across several decades. Recorded at Apple Music Studios in south London, the program offered a rare glimpse into the monarch's personal musical tastes, resilience, and lighthearted perspective on growing older alongside longtime cultural figures.
Residents across the northeastern state experienced ground shaking on Saturday afternoon as seismic activity was recorded at a relatively shallow depth. Fortunately, local authorities have not identified any immediate infrastructural destruction or injuries in the surrounding areas. Seismologists continue to monitor the region following the afternoon event.