Whole Australia team knew of sandpaper use - Khawaja

Newswire reports that former Australian cricketer David Warner publicly supported Usman Khawaja’s account of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, calling the claims accurate. Ada Derana also reports Warner’s endorsement. Khawaja’s claims appeared in excerpts from his forthcoming autobiography, according to Newswire.

Newswire reports that Khawaja alleged the Australian team knew about a plan to alter the ball before a Test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town. Newswire says the scandal came to light when Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper on the ball; then-captain Steve Smith, vice-captain Warner and Bancroft were subsequently suspended.

Newswire reports that Warner criticised the handling of the investigation, describing its interviews as rushed and poorly managed. He questioned why Khawaja, who was seated beside Bancroft, had not been interviewed, and called for those responsible for the inquiry to address questions about its findings.

Newswire reports that Warner said his comments were intended to promote accountability and transparency rather than reopen old disputes. He also described discussing the scandal’s effect on his family with his daughters, and said Khawaja deserved support for speaking publicly despite questions about the timing of the claims before the book’s release. Newswire says the claims have renewed debate about whether responsibility extended beyond the three players who were suspended.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.