Former Australia bowler backs Khawaja over Cummins on sandpaper plot

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 08:01 · Archive

Former Australia bowler Chadd Sayers has backed Usman Khawaja's account that the entire squad knew about ball tampering during the 2018 South Africa series.

Former Australia bowler Chadd Sayers has backed Usman Khawaja's recollection of the 2018 sandpaper scandal, contradicting current captain Pat Cummins. Sayers said he helped take sandpaper off the ground in the match before the Cape Town Test, described as an unplanned event during a drinks break. He also recalls a meeting in the Australia dressing room after Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper in Cape Town, in which players discussed taking collective responsibility.

Sayers, who was 12th man during the second Test in Gqeberha and played in the final match of that series, told SEN Radio he believes sandpaper was used in two Test matches. He said there were discussions in the changing rooms about how to get the ball to reverse and what materials would be used.

"I am comfortable sitting here that I believe everyone in that side knew what was going on and what was being used," Sayers said. Khawaja's autobiography reopened the scandal more than eight years later with claims the entire touring party had knowledge of the conspiracy. Cummins gave a 69-minute press conference in Sydney where he stated his innocence in definitive terms and branded the allegations "complete and utter nonsense".

How it is being reported

• Australia's Sayers 'took sandpaper from field' & rejects Cummins' claimsAustralia bowler Chadd Sayers says he helped take sandpaper from the field in the match prior to the Cape Town Test and backs Usman Khawaja's recollection over Pat Cummins'.BBC News · 15 Nov, 07:32
• Former Australia bowler says ‘everyone in that side’ was aware of sandpaper plotChadd Sayers was 12th man in the ill-fated Newlands Test.Independent Sport · 15 Nov, 06:12

In this story: Chadd Sayers · Pat Cummins · Usman Khawaja · Cameron Bancroft · Steve Smith · David Warner · Australia · Cape Town

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