![Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Starc [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794295523596_Australia.jpg?type=hq)
Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Starc [Source: AFP]
Usman Khawaja has seemingly opened a can of worms with his recent comments about the infamous Sandpaper Gate controversy from 2018. With the former Australian opener alleging that ‘everyone was aware’ of the ball-tampering incident, it has reignited the same scandal that once nearly destroyed Australian cricket.
Mere days after then coach Darren Lehmann refuted Khawaja’s allegations, legendary fast bowler Mitchell Starc has also rejected the ex-opener’s explosive claim.
Mitchell Starc remains committed to his 2021 remarks, refutes Khawaja
Mitchell Starc was part of the Australian team that toured South Africa in early 2018. In the third Test of the tour, then top-order batter Cameron Bancroft, captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner all received strict punishments from Cricket Australia for their involvement in the ‘ball tampering’ controversy.
While a joint-statement issued by Australian bowlers in 2021 indicated that no other player knew about the controversy, Usman Khawaja’s remarks in his book 'Sabr' claims that everyone in the team was aware of Australia’s ball-tampering attempts.
Starc, however, continues to stand by his 2021 statement, as he denies any knowledge that sandpaper was taken into the field by one of his Australian peers.
While speaking with the reporters, he said, “I haven’t really paid much attention to it [the coverage of Khawaja’s claims]. Obviously, there are different opinions to about eight years ago. We were heavily drilled through the process at the time since. Now, 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.”
Mitchell Starc added, “It’s obviously in a book. That’s for someone to explain further. As far as our statement said [in 2021], we weren’t aware of it being taken on the field. That’s where I’ll leave it.”
Starc also denied knowing that the Australian team had used sandpaper in the second Test of the series as well, as alleged by Usman Khawaja.
The legendary Australian paceman said, “That’s the first I was aware of it [in Cape Town]. I’ll leave that for the said author to explain.”
Mitchell Starc implies strained relationship with Usman Khawaja
Beyond the conflicting accounts of Australian cricketers, the recent revelations of Usman Khawaja also appear to have strained his relationships with some of his former teammates.
While David Warner continues to stand by Khawaja despite the latter’s comments, Mitchell Starc said that he has not spoken with the ex-opener. However, he also added that it is up to Khawaja if they would ever speak again.
He said, “It’s up to him.”
With differing accounts continuing to emerge nearly nine years after the infamous incident, the Sandpaper Gate controversy remains a divisive chapter in Australian cricket, as Khawaja’s revelations threaten to reopen old wounds within the team.
