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Australian cricket’s sandpapergate is back – and it cuts deep in a ‘nation of good sports’
Usman Khawaja’s new memoir has reignited scrutiny of Australia’s 2018 ball-tampering scandal, alleging the whole team knew about a plan to use sandpaper during a Test against South Africa. The claims have prompted speculation about senior players, including current captain Pat Cummins, and reopened a painful episode for Australian cricket.
Khawaja says he wanted the team to accept collective responsibility, but has not identified who knew what. Cummins spent more than an hour answering reporters’ questions and denied the rumours about his involvement; David Warner said Khawaja had told the truth, while Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft have yet to comment publicly. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has ruled out reopening the investigation, despite calls to do so.
In short
- Khawaja’s memoir has revived the 2018 sandpaper scandal.
- He alleges the whole Australian team knew of the plan.
- Cricket Australia says it will not reopen its investigation.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Reopening the inquiry could help establish who knew about the plan and whether responsibility extended beyond the players already sanctioned. Khawaja’s account has revived unresolved questions, and a fresh, independent review could strengthen trust in the team and show that collective responsibility is taken seriously.
The case against
The original scandal was investigated and sanctions were imposed, while Khawaja’s account, as described, does not specify who knew what. Without new verifiable evidence, reopening the case could fuel speculation about individuals and prolong reputational harm; Cricket Australia may reasonably prefer to address the memoir’s claims without restarting a concluded inquiry.