Australian white-ball captain Mitch Marsh has refused to comment on Usman Khawaja’s allegations about the 2018 ball-tampering scandal during a press conference ahead of the ODI series against England.
Marsh, who was part of Australia’s Test squad during the South Africa tour, declined to revisit the controversy, saying that he had “personally moved on”.
Asked whether he knew sandpaper was being used to tamper with the ball, Marsh responded with a light-hearted remark, saying, “Got a six off the first ball there mate, well done.”
However, the 35-year-old avoided discussing the matter further and made it clear that he wanted to focus on Australia’s upcoming white-ball commitments against England.
“There has obviously been a lot of noise around this week and I respect that certain people have told their stories, but I’m not here to share mine today,” Marsh said. “I know that might sound weird, but it’s a big week for us and it’s an important time for this one-day group, and my sole focus has been on preparing for tomorrow.”
Marsh also acknowledged Khawaja’s decision to share his account in his recently released autobiography, Sabr, but declined to revisit his own memories of the tour. “I’m not here to go back on my recollections of South Africa,” he added. “My honest answer is because I’ve personally moved on, I respect that others probably haven’t, but I have, and I hope that’s respected.”
Marsh confirmed that he had spoken to Khawaja before the book’s release but did not disclose details of their conversation. He also said he had not read the autobiography.
The controversy returned to the spotlight after Khawaja alleged in his book “Sabr” that the ball-tampering plan during Australia’s 2018 South Africa tour involved more than Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
The former Australian opener claimed the practice had also taken place during the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, before the incident that came to light during the Cape Town Test.
Khawaja argued that responsibility should not rest solely with the three players who received bans, calling for the entire team to acknowledge its role.
“It was all of us. Not the batters, not the bowlers, not the staff. All of us,” Khawaja told newspapers.
He also alleged that discussions about using sandpaper had taken place among teammates and that a member of Australia’s coaching staff had encouraged Bancroft to increase his efforts.
Cricket Australia’s original investigation concluded that Smith, Warner and Bancroft knew about the plan. Smith received a 12-month suspension, Warner was banned for 12 months, while Bancroft received a nine-month ban.
Former Australia vice-captain David Warner has publicly supported Khawaja’s account, describing his claims as “100 percent accurate”.
Meanwhile, Australia Test captain Pat Cummins is expected to address the allegations when he faces the media in Sydney on Friday morning.
He also confirmed that he was happy to speak to the media about the events surrounding the scandal.
The renewed controversy has also drawn a response from fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who denied knowing that sandpaper had been brought onto the field during the Cape Town Test.
He maintained that his recollection remained unchanged from the statement issued by Australian bowlers in 2021.
