In extracts from his memoir *Sabr*, former opening batter Usman Khawaja stated that discussions regarding sandpaper use began during the second Test in Port Elizabeth. He claimed that the broader squad and staff failed to assume shared responsibility, leaving Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft to face the fallout alone. While key bowlers including current captain Pat Cummins have repeatedly denied any prior awareness of the plot, Khawaja noted he was never questioned during Cricket Australia's initial inquiry.
Key points
The claims directly challenge the official narrative that only three individuals were awa…: The claims directly challenge the official narrative that only three individuals were aware of the ball-tampering plot.
Usman Khawaja believes the entire national setup failed to take collective responsibility…: Usman Khawaja believes the entire national setup failed to take collective responsibility for the illicit tactics.
Current Test captain Pat Cummins views the historical controversy as thoroughly investiga…: Current Test captain Pat Cummins views the historical controversy as thoroughly investigated and formally settled.
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Whole Australia team knew of sandpaper use - Khawaja
- Published
Usman Khawaja has claimed the entire Australia team knew about the use of sandpaper to tamper with the ball in the final Test of their 2018 series with South Africa.
In extracts of his autobiography - Sabr - published in the Sydney Morning Herald,, external the former opening batter said Australia had also used the ball-tampering tactic in the Test before the infamous match in Cape Town.
The incident - nicknamed 'sandpapergate' - was widely condemned and led to bans for captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and fellow batter Cameron Bancroft.
"It was all of us. Not the batters, not the bowlers, not the staff. All of us," Khawaja, 39, told the Sydney Morning Herald.
The four Australia bowlers who played in that match, including current Test captain Pat Cummins, have consistently denied they had any prior knowledge of the plan.
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