Usman Khawaja claims ball tampering happened before Cape Town test in new book

Usman Khawaja has shared new details about the 2018 cricket controversy in his autobiography titled Sabr, stating that sandpaper was used on the cricket ball earlier during the second Test match against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. He recalled seeing Cameron Bancroft working on the ball during a break, after which Australia quickly claimed four wickets for 28 runs in the following session. Khawaja noted that the ball swung so sharply that afternoon that he felt anyone could achieve reverse swing, describing the amount of movement as extreme.

Reactions

The book's claims have sparked sharp responses from several current and former cricketers. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc maintained his stance from a joint bowling group statement issued in 2021, stating he and his fellow bowlers had no knowledge of any illegal substance being brought onto the field and only saw the incident on the big screen during the Cape Town match. Former captain Michael Clarke argued that the full truth of the scandal remains hidden and questioned why current captain Pat Cummins has not addressed the latest allegations. Former fast bowler Jason Gillespie expressed doubt that only three players knew about the plan, noting Khawaja's mention of a team meeting in the dressing room. Former England captain Michael Vaughan also cast doubt on the bowlers' claims of ignorance, arguing that bowlers always know how the ball is being cared for. Former captain Mark Taylor expressed uncertainty over whether the complete truth will ever surface, pointing out that match umpires checked the ball in Cape Town and took no action. Meanwhile, former opener David Warner supported Khawaja's version of events, stating on social media that the account is entirely accurate.

Context

Ball tampering is considered a serious offence under cricket laws, involving illegal alteration of the ball's condition to gain an unfair advantage in bowling. The 2018 controversy remains one of the most talked-about events in modern cricket history, leading to heavy suspensions for several top players at the time.