Usman Khawaja's recently released book alleges that Pat Cummins and other teammates helped design the plot to alter the ball using sandpaper in South Africa. In response, Cummins stated he had no awareness of sandpaper being brought onto the field and was never involved in discussions about collective responsibility. The skipper expressed shock at the claims, noting that Khawaja had treated the reputations of Australian players casually. Although Cummins received advice that parts of the publication might be defamatory, he confirmed he will not file a lawsuit.
Key points
Pat Cummins firmly rejected claims that he assisted in designing the 2018 ball-tampering…: Pat Cummins firmly rejected claims that he assisted in designing the 2018 ball-tampering plan in South Africa.
The newly published accusations have reignited calls across the sport for a fresh investi…: The newly published accusations have reignited calls across the sport for a fresh investigation into the incident.
Eight years after the scandal, the Australian captain wants to draw a line under the even…: Eight years after the scandal, the Australian captain wants to draw a line under the event rather than engage in litigation.
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SYDNEY, Nov 13 : Australia captain Pat Cummins has again denied any involvement in the plot to use sandpaper on the ball in a test against South Africa in 2018, describing the allegations in Usman Khawaja's autobiography as "utter nonsense".
Former Australia batsman Khawaja, whose autobiography was published this week, last weekend said all the players in the team at Newlands knew about the plot, triggering calls for a new investigation into the incident.
"When he says we all knew, if by that he means that we knew sandpaper was going out in the field, he's 100 per cent wrong. I've said that consistently for the last eight years," Cummins told a press conference on Friday.
"I did not know that was happening, but I think Usman actually says things that are actually far more serious than that.
"He says that I and others were architects of a scheme to ball tamper with sandpaper. That's complete and utter nonsense."
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