From Indiatimes · Pranav Shukla · · 2m
Khawaja reveals ball-tampering team discussions
Former Australia player Usman Khawaja claims widespread ball-tampering talks during 2018 South Africa tour.
In brief
Former Australia player Usman Khawaja claims widespread ball-tampering talks during 2018 South Africa tour. Usman Khawaja says Australia's 2018 ball-tampering scandal involved more players than CA's investigation found. Originally reported by Indiatimes.
Khawaja's new claims
Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has made fresh revelations about the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
“It was all of us”
Open discussions in South Africa
Khawaja alleged conversations about altering the ball took place openly during Australia's 2018 tour of South Africa.
Ball tampering methods
He claimed players discussed different ways of roughing up the ball, including using sandpaper.
Widespread awareness
Khawaja insisted players across different departments and support staff were aware of the discussions.
CA's investigation findings
Cricket Australia's investigation concluded prior knowledge of the plan was limited to three players: Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
Khawaja's status
Khawaja, who featured in 88 Tests for Australia, was cleared of wrongdoing during the investigation.
Khawaja's retirement
He announced his retirement from international cricket in January.
CA's response
Cricket Australia defended its investigation and maintained that its findings remained valid.
CA's statement
CA said all relevant information presented to them was properly considered and they remain comfortable with their findings.
Ongoing opportunity
CA also stressed there has always been an opportunity for individuals to provide additional information.
Penalties for players
Following the 2018 investigation, Cricket Australia handed playing bans and other penalties to Smith, Warner and Bancroft.
Head coach reaction
Head coach Darren Lehmann was cleared of direct involvement but stepped down shortly after the series.
Cummins' response
Australia captain Pat Cummins played down suggestions that Khawaja's autobiography could reignite the controversy.
Series outcome
South Africa won the four-match Test series in 2018 by a 3-1 margin.
Recent tour
Australia's Test team returned to South Africa last month for the first time since the Sandpapergate controversy.
Recent result
They suffered another series defeat, losing the three-match contest 2-1.
The one thing
Usman Khawaja says Australia's 2018 ball-tampering scandal involved more players than CA's investigation found.
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