Marsh Refuses to Revisit Sandpapergate as Australia Prepare for England Series

Mitchell Marsh has drawn a line under questions surrounding Australia's 2018 ball-tampering scandal, choosing to keep the focus on the upcoming ODI series against England rather than revisit the events of South Africa. The Australian captain maintained that he had moved on from the controversy, despite renewed scrutiny following Usman Khawaja's recent revelations in his autobiography.

The issue returned to the spotlight after Khawaja's book, *Sabr*, revisited Australia's conduct during the 2018 South Africa tour. His account included claims about the use of a tampered ball during the Port Elizabeth Test, where Australia claimed four wickets for 28 runs in a session featuring reverse swing.

Marsh was involved in both matches at the centre of the controversy. He played all four Tests on the tour and was bowling during the Port Elizabeth session described by Khawaja. He was also part of the side in Cape Town, where Cameron Bancroft was filmed using sandpaper on the ball.

The renewed discussion comes at a busy time for Australian cricket, with Marsh preparing to captain the ODI side against England in Perth. Reporters repeatedly attempted to get his account of the scandal during his pre-series media appearance, but he refused to provide further details.

Marsh acknowledged that the episode continued to affect people associated with Australian cricket. He also defended Khawaja's right to publish his version of events, making clear that he did not judge former teammates who had chosen to speak publicly.

However, his position remained unchanged when questions turned to his decision not to sign a statement released by Australia's four frontline bowlers in 2021 following Bancroft's interview. Marsh declined to explain the decision or discuss his recollections of that period.

He also revealed that he had spoken with Khawaja before the book was released. While leaving open the possibility of discussing his experiences in the future, Marsh suggested that he might eventually tell his story in a book of his own.

Cummins Set to Respond to Khawaja's Claims

Pat Cummins, Australia's Test captain and officially listed ODI captain, will face the media in Sydney on Friday to address the latest allegations. He confirmed the press conference after taking time to review Khawaja's account and understand its full scope.

Cummins said he would be available to speak to reporters at 9:30am before the New South Wales Sheffield Shield fixture. His response will provide another perspective from a senior member of the Australian team involved in the aftermath of the 2018 scandal.

Also read: Starc responds to Sandpapergate