Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has reacted to Usman Khawaja‘s revelations on the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal in his memoir, Sabr. Healy mentioned Mitchell Starc had beforehand told him that the Australian bowlers knew nothing in regards to the ball-tampering plan.
Australia had returned to Cape City for the first time since the 2018 scandal when Khawaja released his memoir. The incident had led to main sanctions and a leadership ban, but the latest revelations have introduced the episode again into focus throughout Australian cricket as soon as again.
‘Maybe We’ve Bought To Dig Deeper Again’ – Ian Healy Questions Mitchell Starc’s Account
The revelations have prompted contemporary questions in regards to the bowlers’ earlier account. Ian Healy revealed that his nephew-in-law, Mitchell Starc, had told him that the bowlers have been unaware of the plan.
“I have had it mentioned to me by my nephew-in-law, Mitch Starc, that, ‘We didn’t know’. I’ve always thought no-one knew. Does this now need proving? Maybe we’ve got to dig deeper again,” Healy mentioned.
https://x.com/SEN_Cricket/status/2119573534498513137
Usman Khawaja Claims Total Australian Workforce Knew About Sandpapergate
In Sabr, Usman Khawaja alleged that the entire Australian touring get together knew in regards to the plan to tamper with the ball throughout the 2018 Cape City Check. He additionally claimed that the team used sandpaper throughout the second Check towards South Africa in Port Elizabeth.
The controversy involved Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner. Bancroft was caught on camera making use of sandpaper to the ball. Smith and Warner have been subsequently handed 12-month suspensions, while Bancroft acquired a nine-month ban.
The claims additionally contradicted the Australian bowlers’ 2021 public assertion, by which they denied prior data of the ball-tampering plan.
David Warner Backs Usman Khawaja’s Claims And Questions Original Investigation
Former Australia opener David Warner has publicly supported Usman Khawaja, describing his former opening accomplice’s claims as correct. Warner, who served as vice-captain throughout the 2018 scandal, questioned why his former teammate was dealing with criticism for discussing the episode eight years later.
“It’s been eight years since I spoke on this subject. And Uzzie, I throw my full help behind you. I thank you for what you’ve completed. What you’ve mentioned is 100 percent correct. Everyone is aware of the truth. It’s on the market. Folks wished to comprehend it. You’ve come out and mentioned it. And now people are asking, ‘why eight years on?’ Since you’re promoting a ebook?” Warner mentioned.
“This is Usman’s story. This is what Usman believes. Uzzie wrote down every single thing from that day on. Now, this complete interview course of was rushed and botched. Uzzie was sitting subsequent to Cameron Bancroft. Uzzie was not interviewed. How is {that a} thorough investigation? It baffles me.”
Cricket Australia imposed a leadership ban on Warner following the scandal. The governing physique lifted it in October 2024, six and a half years after the incident. The latest revelations have as soon as again introduced the episode again into focus for former players and the current Australian leadership.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
