Mitchell Starc reiterated the position established in a 2021 joint statement with fellow bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, confirming they had no advance knowledge of a foreign substance being used. His reaction follows Usman Khawaja's autobiography, which argued that collective responsibility should have been shared across the team rather than restricted to the three banned players. David Warner publicly supported Khawaja's claims and called out Cricket Australia for conducting a botched, rushed inquiry. Furthermore, Starc rejected having any knowledge regarding claims that sandpaper was utilized during the preceding Test match in Port Elizabeth.
Key points
Mitchell Starc continues to reject claims that the frontline bowlers were aware of the ba…: Mitchell Starc continues to reject claims that the frontline bowlers were aware of the ball-tampering plot beforehand.
David Warner has endorsed Usman Khawaja's claims and publicly demanded greater transparen…: David Warner has endorsed Usman Khawaja's claims and publicly demanded greater transparency regarding the original Cape Town investigation.
The conflicting accounts illustrate enduring disagreements among senior Australian player…: The conflicting accounts illustrate enduring disagreements among senior Australian players regarding accountability for the 2018 tampering scandal.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has stood by his version of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, insisting that his recollection of the infamous Sandpapergate episode has not changed, even as former teammate David Warner publicly backed Usman Khawaja's explosive claims about the controversy.
Starc's response comes a day after Warner threw his weight behind Khawaja, describing the former Australia opener's revelations as “100% accurate” and questioning the credibility of Cricket Australia's investigation into the incident.
Khawaja, in his autobiography Sabr, has claimed that the knowledge of the ball-tampering operation extended beyond the three players who were punished — Steve Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft — and that the entire Australian dressing room, including players and support staff, should have accepted collective responsibility.
Starc, however, maintained that his position remained consistent with the statement issued by Australia's bowling quartet in 2021, which denied prior knowledge of a foreign object being used to alter the ball.
Starc stands by 2021 statement after Warner backs Khawaja
Speaking at an event marking the launch of Australia's summer of cricket, Starc said he had not followed…
State-run operations across the National Capital Territory will pause to observe the major festival dedicated to the Sun God, during which devotees offer sunrise and sunset prayers. The administration secured formal approval from the Lieutenant Governor before notifying municipal bodies and ministries. This directive ensures public employees can participate in the rituals associated with Pratihar Shashthi.
The unexpected discovery was made behind a bricked-up wall during drainage operations at the former Brouwershuis brewery in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde. Belgian authorities have secured the valuable collection in Brussels to investigate whether the assets stem from historical family wealth or past criminal activity. The find sets off a complex legal process to determine ownership between the finders, the current property owner, and potential heirs.
Enforcement authorities intercepted individuals believed to be targeting wildlife in the northeastern state. The apprehension halts the activities of an alleged network operating within the region. The operation marks another enforcement step aimed at safeguarding vulnerable species from illegal trade.