Pat Cummins vows to address Usman Khawaja's 'long list of allegations' over Sandpapergate scandal

Sydney: Australia Test captain Pat Cummins has announced he will respond on Friday to Usman Khawaja's "long list of allegations" regarding the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, having taken time to "better understand" the claims.

Cummins has faced growing calls to face the press since the retired Khawaja reignited the explosive controversy last weekend ahead of his autobiography's release. In his book, Khawaja alleges that the entire Australian side—including Cummins—was aware of the plot to rough up the ball with sandpaper to generate reverse swing during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town eight years ago. He also claimed the same tactic was employed during the second Test in Port Elizabeth.

An investigation by Cricket Australia concluded that only David Warner, Steve Smith, and Cameron Bancroft knew of the scheme, resulting in all three players being sent home in disgrace and handed bans. In 2021, Cummins and fellow fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and spinner Nathan Lyon issued a public denial stating they had no knowledge of the plan.

Cummins confirmed he will share his side of the story on Friday ahead of the upcoming round of the domestic Sheffield Shield competition.

"Happy to speak with any and all media about the events of this week," he posted on social media.

"I've taken some time to try and better understand the long list and full extent of Uzzy's allegations so I can respond properly."

Fellow pacer Mitchell Starc stood firm on his previous denial when speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

"I guess I won't speak on behalf of the bowlers, but, where I stand, my opinion hasn't changed, my recollection hasn't changed from what we said in 2021," Starc said.

"As far as our statement said, we weren't aware of things being taken on the field, that's where I'll leave it."

While Cricket Australia has ruled out reopening its inquiry into the incident, reactions from those involved in the 2018 tour have been sharply divided. Warner has firmly backed his close friend Khawaja's assertion that the whole team knew, whereas then-head coach Darren Lehmann denied having any knowledge of it.

Former Australia batting coach Graeme Hick, who accompanied the squad on the South Africa tour, also dismissed Khawaja's claims in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Khawaja puts it simply: 'It was all of us. Not the batters, not the bowlers, not the staff. All of us.' To me what Khawaja is implying here is absolutely false," said the former England international.

"In regard to any discussions around the ball-tampering in Port Elizabeth or Cape Town that took place, I will say in true honesty that I did not hear or know anything."

Smith and Bancroft have yet to comment on the latest developments. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia chairman David Boon has assured Cummins that his leadership role remains secure regardless of the fallout.

"We absolutely support Pat," Boon told The Australian newspaper, stressing that the squad must focus on the future rather than the past.

"I respect (Usman's) point of view and his recollections of what occurred, and they're his, but we don't want to get into a 'he said, she said' argument," Boon added.

"There are going to be supporters, there's going to be other guys that don't recollect the same thing, so I don't see a purpose." (AFP)