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Exposed: The bombshell Sandpapergate claims contained in David Warner’s secret court references months ago… Plus, Rita Panahi’s cosy drinks with a right-minded AFL legend: INSIDE MAIL
Usman Khawaja has alleged that knowledge of the 2018 ball-tampering plan extended beyond the three players punished, and David Warner has publicly backed his account. The claims challenge Cricket Australia’s long-standing finding about who knew of the scheme and have renewed scrutiny of the investigation and the team’s culture.
The article reports that Warner’s manager, James Erskine, made similar claims in a character reference submitted before Warner’s drink-driving sentencing in August. Erskine declined to confirm the reference’s precise wording but said he stood by it and that “more than three people were involved”. The reference has not been made public; Warner was fined $1,500 after being convicted of mid-range drink-driving.
In short
- Khawaja says knowledge of Sandpapergate was more widespread.
- Warner called Khawaja’s account “100 per cent accurate”.
- Erskine reportedly made similar claims in a court reference.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Khawaja and Warner’s claims, echoed by Warner’s manager, warrant renewed scrutiny because the original investigation may have missed wider knowledge of the plan. A fuller account could improve public understanding of the team’s culture and whether responsibility was fairly assigned.
The case against
The claims reported here do not establish who else knew or show that Cricket Australia’s investigation was flawed. Reopening conclusions on the basis of an unpublished court reference and unconfirmed details risks treating allegation as proof and unfairly implicating people without clear evidence.
Explained simply
Australia’s 2018 ball-tampering scandal, often called Sandpapergate, arose during a Test match against South Africa. Australian players used sandpaper to alter the ball, and Cricket Australia investigated and punished captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
The investigation concluded that those three were involved in the plan. Usman Khawaja, an Australian batter, and Warner have since questioned whether others knew about it, renewing debate about the investigation and the team’s culture.
James Erskine is Warner’s manager. A character reference he submitted for Warner’s drink-driving sentencing was not made public; Erskine has said he stands by it and that more than three people were involved.