Warner backs Khawaja's claim that entire Australian team knew of 2018 ball tampering plan
Former captain David Warner questioned the scope of Cricket Australia's investigation after Usman Khawaja detailed team-wide discussions about the sandpaper incident.
By Tessa Cooper ·
David Warner endorsed Usman Khawaja's assertion that knowledge of the 2018 ball tampering plan in South Africa extended to the entire Australian squad. In a social media post released on Monday, the former captain supported his childhood friend's account and criticized the subsequent investigation.
The original scandal involved the use of sandpaper to alter the ball's surface during the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town. Cricket Australia's inquiry concluded that only Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft, and Warner possessed advance knowledge of the scheme, resulting in bans for the trio.
Khawaja detailed his version of events in an autobiography extract published on Saturday. He described the discussions regarding the tampering as open and lighthearted, noting that they involved players beyond the batting and bowling units. On Sunday, he explained that he promised Warner he would eventually share his perspective, which motivated the release.
Warner, who retired from international cricket in 2024, stated in an Instagram video that the inquiry process was hurried and mishandled. He specifically questioned why investigators did not interview Khawaja, pointing out that his former teammate sat beside Bancroft during the match.
The 40-year-old former player argued that the omission undermined the thoroughness of the review. He and Khawaja said they sought accountability and transparency rather than blame. Warner added that media reports over the past eight years contained inaccuracies while key figures remained silent.
Cricket Australia defended its handling of the case in a statement on Saturday. The governing body said it had considered all relevant information and remained satisfied with the integrity process findings. It also noted that the opportunity to submit further information remained open.
Four bowlers who played in the Cape Town Test, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, jointly denied knowledge of the plan in a 2021 statement. Cummins, now the Test captain, said last month that he discussed the upcoming book with Khawaja and dismissed suggestions of further fallout.
