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Mitchell Marsh Refuses To Revisit 2018 Ball-Tampering Saga After Usman Khawaja Claims
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Marsh says he has moved on from the 2018 ball-tampering saga. Khawaja's book alleges all teammates knew about sandpaper use on tour.
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Marsh refuses to revisit
Mitchell Marsh refused to revisit the 2018 ball-tampering saga after Usman Khawaja’s autobiography brought the issue back, telling reporters, "I am not here to go back on my recollections of South Africa." Marsh said the week ahead mattered for the one-day group, and he added, "my sole focus has been on preparing for tomorrow." Pat Cummins said he would respond properly after taking time to understand "the long list and full extent of Uzzy’s allegations" ahead of speaking to the media about the claims.
“I am not here to go back on my recollections of South Africa.”
Cricket Australia’s interim chair David Boon backed Cummins, saying, "We absolutely support Pat," and pointing to Cummins’ leadership and integrity. The dispute has been tied to the 2018 Cape Town Test and to the build-up to Australia’s one-day international series against England, which starts on Friday.
Khawaja claims, Warner backs
Usman Khawaja’s revelations in his autobiography Sabr have reopened debate over who knew about sandpaper use during the 2018 tour to South Africa, with Khawaja saying, "It was all of us." David Warner backed Khawaja and said, "It's 100% accurate what you've said," while arguing that the focus should be on the issues raised rather than why the claims resurfaced. Warner also questioned the investigation process, saying, "Uzzie was not interviewed."
England captain Harry Brook said he "hasn't seen any" of the debate and said Australia and England were "out here now" with a challenge against Australia. Marsh continued to deflect questions at a press conference ahead of the first ODI against England in Perth, repeating that he was not sharing his story because he had moved on.
What happens next
Cricket Australia chairman David Boon said his job was not under threat over allegations in Khawaja’s book, and he said Cricket Australia had "full confidence in Cummins' leadership". Cummins posted that he would be training ahead of day three of New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match with Western Australia, and he said he would be "happy to speak with any and all media" about the events of the week. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg ruled out another investigation, and Boon said they did not want to get into a "he-said-she-said argument".
“To me what Khawaja is implying here is absolutely false.”
Graeme Hick denied knowledge of the plan, telling SMH.au, "To me what Khawaja is implying here is absolutely false." As the ODI series against England begins at 03:30 GMT on Friday, the controversy continues to shape the build-up, with Marsh insisting, "I hope that is respected."