In his book *Sabr*, Khawaja claimed that the entire Australian Test side was aware of sandpaper being used during the 2018 Cape Town match and that tampering also took place during the series' second Test. Starc firmly rejected these assertions, maintaining the position established in a 2021 joint statement with fellow bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon. Speaking at a broadcast launch event, Healy voiced empathy for those facing renewed emotional distress and backed Cricket Australia's reluctance to reopen the investigation.
Key points
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg indicated the governing body does not in…: Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg indicated the governing body does not intend to reopen the Sandpapergate investigation.
Alyssa Healy emphasized the emotional toll of revisiting the scandal and urged the sport…: Alyssa Healy emphasized the emotional toll of revisiting the scandal and urged the sport to focus on the upcoming summer.
The original 2018 controversy resulted in suspensions for Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith,…: The original 2018 controversy resulted in suspensions for Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith, and David Warner, including leadership bans.
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The infamous Sandpapergate scandal has returned to haunt Australian cricket, with fresh claims from former batter Usman Khawaja reigniting debate over the 2018 ball-tampering controversy. This time, the spotlight has fallen on Mitchell Starc, with his wife and former Australia women's captain Alyssa Healy admitting that she feels "slightly conflicted" about the renewed allegations.
Khawaja, in his newly released autobiography Sabr, made explosive revelations about the 2018 Cape Town Test against South Africa, claiming that the entire Australian Test team was aware of the use of sandpaper to tamper with the ball. He also alleged that ball-tampering was not restricted to the infamous third Test, with the practice reportedly taking place during the second Test of the series as well.
Starc, however, has firmly rejected Khawaja's claims, maintaining that he stands by the joint statement released in 2021 alongside Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. The four Australian fast bowlers had denied knowing about the sandpaper being taken onto the field and the ball being tampered with during the Cape Town Test.
Alyssa Healy reacts to fresh Sandpapergate allegations…
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