Chadd Sayers backs sandpaper claims as fresh friction hits Australian cricket

OPA WIRE, Nov 15 (OPA) — Former Australia bowler Chadd Sayers has corroborated details from Usman Khawaja's recent book regarding the 2018 sandpaper scandal. Sayers stated last week that everything in the former opening batsman's account was accurate, reopening a dark chapter for Australian cricket.

Khawaja claimed in his memoir that the entire Australian squad was aware of the ball-tampering plan and should share collective responsibility. Captain Pat Cummins strongly rejected these assertions, labeling them as entirely incorrect and utter nonsense. Cummins and fellow bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon have consistently maintained they had no prior knowledge of the plot.

The controversy escalated further when David Warner accused Cricket Australia of orchestrating a cover-up. Warner alleged on Saturday that Hazlewood, Starc, and Lyon were never interviewed during the governing body's initial investigation. Warner, along with Cameron Bancroft and then-captain Steve Smith, previously served lengthy bans for their direct roles in the scandal.

Cricket Australia has faced renewed pressure from former players and pundits to address the conflicting accounts. The latest statements from Sayers and Warner ensure the fallout from South Africa will continue to cast a long shadow over the national team.