Warner backs Khawaja's claims regarding 2018 ball-tampering scandal
Former Australian batter David Warner has expressed support for Usman Khawaja's allegations that the entire team knew about the sandpaper use.
Former Australian batter David Warner has backed teammate Usman Khawaja's claims that the entire Australian team was aware of the use of sandpaper to alter a ball during the 2018 South Africa tour. According to the Times of India, Khawaja's allegations were made in his memoir, Sabr, suggesting that Steve Smith, Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were made scapegoats.
Warner stated on Instagram on Monday that Khawaja's account is "100 per cent accurate" and that he stands with his teammate. He added that speaking the truth takes courage and that the situation was about acknowledging wounds that never properly healed.
However, fast bowler Mitchell Starc has rejected the claims. Starc said his recollection has not changed from a 2021 joint statement issued with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, which denied prior knowledge of the plan.
Former Australian batting coach Graeme Hick also described Khawaja's allegations as "absolutely false". Hick, who was part of the coaching staff during the 2018 tour, maintained he only became aware of the incident after seeing footage on the big screen in Cape Town.
Warner responded to Hick by questioning his appointment, alleging that Cricket Australia was unwilling to pay former assistant coach Michael Di Venuto what he deserved. Warner claimed players even offered to contribute from their own salaries to retain Di Venuto during the New Zealand tour.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said on Tuesday that there is no compelling reason to reopen the investigation into the incident, stating nothing would be gained from revisiting it.