Australian cricket split in public eight years after Cape Town, and the camps are now easy to identify. The picture is far from even. David Warner and Chadd Sayers stand with Usman Khawaja’s version of the 2018 ball-tampering affair, while Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Darren Lehmann dispute it. Several other names have stayed silent, and Cricket Australia sees no case for a fresh inquiry. Below is the public record of who has said what, correct as of 13 November 2026, with every claim dated.
The Claims Made in Sabr
Khawaja’s autobiography, Sabr, alleges that sandpaper was used earlier at Port Elizabeth, in the Test preceding the one in which Bancroft was caught at Newlands. Port Elizabeth came one Test earlier than the Newlands match that made headlines, so the claim stretches the timeline of the affair backwards. He claims the whole group knew about it, and he says Steve Smith persuaded him in 2018 not to speak out.
None of this is established fact; these are allegations. Because the book is the only source for them, every name that responds is, in effect, answering one man’s version. Khawaja has explained that he did not want to raise it first while still a team member, and he reportedly promised Warner he would one day give his own account.
Backers of the Usman Khawaja Sandpapergate Account
Warner is the loudest supporter, and his support is the most public because he was a banned player himself in 2018. His Instagram video of 9 November described Khawaja’s version as entirely accurate and called the original inquiry rushed. When Cummins spoke on 13 November, Warner accused him of throwing Khawaja under the bus.
Sayers, who came in for Starc in the fourth Test, backs every word Khawaja wrote. He questions why the batter waited so long to speak, so his support carries a pointed question about timing. He is the only bowler from that series to back Khawaja so far.
Person | Role in 2018 | Position | Date |
David Warner | Vice-captain, banned | Backs | 9 Nov |
Chadd Sayers | Bowler, debuted 4th Test | Backs, questions timing | Early Nov |
Pat Cummins | Bowler | Rejects | 13 Nov |
Mitchell Starc | Bowler | Rejects | 10 Nov |
Darren Lehmann | Head coach | Rejects wider knowledge | Early Nov |
Hazlewood, Lyon | Bowlers | Not addressed since 2021 | 13 Nov |
Smith, Bancroft | Captain, opener, both banned | Not addressed | 13 Nov |
Mitchell Marsh | All-rounder | Declined to comment | 12 Nov |
Cummins and Starc Dispute It
Speaking on 10 November, Starc maintained that the 2021 statement still matches his memory, and that the bowlers did not know of anything carried onto the field. He and Cummins both signed that denial, which makes their position a consistent one. Lehmann, who was coach at the time, rejected the idea of wider knowledge in the group.
Cummins went the furthest, on 13 November. He called Khawaja 100 per cent wrong if the claim is that the team knew sandpaper was being taken out. He also revealed legal advice describing the claims as likely defamatory, though he ruled out taking any action. Cummins also felt the punishments handed to Bancroft, Warner and Smith went too far.
Silence From the Current Seamers
The 2021 denial carried the signatures of Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon, and it followed Bancroft’s comment that the bowlers’ awareness was self-evident. This month, Hazlewood and Lyon have added nothing, and Smith and Bancroft have kept quiet too.
On 12 November, Mitchell Marsh chose not to comment. Staying quiet does not amount to agreeing, so the table lists these players as not having addressed the claims instead of placing them in either camp. Their silence leaves a gap in the story that only they can fill.
Cricket Australia Holds Its Line
Cricket Australia‘s own 2018 inquiry concluded that prior knowledge was limited to Smith, Warner and Bancroft. Smith and Warner each served 12 months and Bancroft nine. Chief executive Todd Greenberg said on 10 November that he saw nothing compelling enough to justify reopening the case.
Greenberg added that the account clashes with the recollections of other players, and that the issue was settled under previous leadership. The board is in no mood to revisit the matter. At present, the Usman Khawaja Sandpapergate account has two backers, three rejecters among players and coaches, and a quiet remainder.
Does Warner’s backing carry more weight than the silence of Hazlewood and Lyon? Share your view in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Sabr claim about the 2018 sandpaper episode?
It alleges that sandpaper was also in use at Port Elizabeth. The book adds that the entire touring party knew, though these remain Khawaja’s claims and not established facts.
Did David Warner back Khawaja’s Sandpapergate claims?
Yes, Warner has backed them publicly and repeatedly. He called the version entirely accurate on 9 November and repeated that support after the Cummins press conference on 13 November.
Is Cricket Australia planning a fresh look at the 2018 inquiry?
No, not at present. Chief executive Todd Greenberg said on 10 November that he found no strong case for revisiting it, adding that Khawaja’s account conflicts with what other players have said.
What kept Khawaja quiet until the end of his career?
He felt he could not break ranks as a serving player. He also described a reluctance to fight the bowlers after the denial they signed in 2021.
Which players were suspended after the 2018 ball-tampering affair?
Steve Smith and David Warner each received 12-month bans. Cameron Bancroft, who was caught at Newlands, was suspended for nine months after the inquiry found only those three had prior knowledge.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.