Ball-tampering scandal: Khawaja claims ‘all of us’ knew of sandpaper use; CA, Lehmann respond
In a stunning revelation ahead of the release of his autobiography, Sabr, Usman Khawaja has insisted that the incident in Cape Town Test was not limited to the three players who were punished by Cricket Australia (CA).
Former Australian Test opening batter Usman Khawaja has reignited the infamous 2018 ball-tampering controversy, claiming that the entire Australian team, including players and support staff, knew about the use of sandpaper on the ball during the tour of South Africa.
In a stunning revelation ahead of the release of his autobiography, Sabr, Khawaja has insisted that the incident in Cape Town Test was not limited to the three players who were punished by Cricket Australia (CA).
"It was all of us. Not the batters, not the bowlers, not the staff. All of us," Khawaja told Sydney Morning Herald.
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Khawaja also alleged that discussions about using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball had taken place during the second Test in Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha, before the infamous incident in Cape Town.
According to Khawaja's account, the idea of using sandpaper emerged during discussions about how to generate reverse swing against South Africa. He further claimed that Cameron Bancroft had volunteered to use sandpaper during the Port Elizabeth Test.
The revelations directly contradict Cricket Australia's original investigation, which concluded that only captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Bancroft had prior knowledge of the ball-tampering plan.
Khawaja says three players were made scapegoats
Khawaja believes the responsibility for the scandal should have been shared by the entire team rather than being placed on three individuals.
He revealed that he had urged his teammates to take collective responsibility after Bancroft was caught using sandpaper during the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town.
"Take this as a team. We did this as a team. We knew what was going on, and we have to take it as a team," Khawaja recalled telling his teammates.
However, his suggestion was not followed, and Smith, Warner and Bancroft ultimately faced the consequences.
Smith and Warner received 12-month suspensions, while Bancroft was handed a nine-month ban. Smith was also removed as captain, while Warner lost his leadership positions.
Khawaja also expressed disappointment that he was never interviewed as part of Cricket Australia's investigation, despite being part of the touring squad.
He said he had expected the truth to emerge over the years and felt compelled to share his perspective in his autobiography.
Cricket Australia stands by its original investigation
Responding to Khawaja's allegations, Cricket Australia has maintained its confidence in the findings of its original integrity investigation.
A CA spokesperson said the organisation had carefully considered all relevant information presented to it and remained comfortable with the conclusions reached following the 2018 controversy.
"There has been a great deal of speculation in the eight years since the 2018 Cape Town Test, including extensive media coverage throughout last month's series in South Africa," the spokesperson said.
"During this time there has been the ongoing opportunity to present any relevant information, and this remains the case."
"All relevant information presented to CA to date has been properly considered and we remain comfortable with the findings of our integrity process."
Lehmann rejects Khawaja's claims
Former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann, who was in charge during the 2018 South Africa tour, has also responded to Khawaja's allegations, disputing the suggestion that everyone in the Australian camp knew about the sandpaper plan.
Lehmann insisted that he had no knowledge of the specific plan to use sandpaper and questioned whether the entire squad could have been aware of it.
"I don't think everyone would have known. You do know ball tampering is going on because it's been happening for 150 years," Lehmann told ABC Sport.
He acknowledged that ball-tampering practices had been part of international cricket for a long time but stressed that this did not make Australia's actions acceptable.
Lehmann also said he could not recall Khawaja's account of urging the team to accept collective responsibility after the incident.