Khawaja book revives questions over Australia's 2018 ball-tampering scandal
Original report:
Usman Khawaja’s autobiography alleges responsibility for the Cape Town ball-tampering extended beyond the three suspended players. The Guardian’s November 2026 report said Mitch Marsh and Pat Cummins faced renewed questioning, while Cricket Australia stood by its integrity findings.
Usman Khawaja’s autobiography, Sabr, renewed scrutiny of Australia’s 2018 ball-tampering scandal, the Guardian reported on 9 November 2026. Khawaja alleged that knowledge extended beyond the suspended Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner. He also claimed a coach encouraged Bancroft to tamper with the ball and that two players rejected accepting collective responsibility.
ODI captain Mitch Marsh was scheduled to speak before Australia’s series against England, with Test captain Pat Cummins also expected to face questions. Both played in the Cape Town Test. Cricket Australia said it had considered all relevant information submitted and remained satisfied with its integrity findings. Former coach Darren Lehmann denied knowing the extent of the tampering.
The dispute centres on who knew about the wrongdoing and who bore responsibility. In a 2021 statement, the four Australian bowlers from the match said they learned a foreign substance had been taken onto the field only when stadium screens showed it. Khawaja’s allegations challenge that broader account without independently establishing other players’ knowledge.
Source
the Guardian — 9 November 2026
AI-assisted news digest · May be published automatically without editorial review.