Former Australia coach accused of urging players to conceal sandpaper use

Former Australia bowling coach David Saker is accused of urging players to conceal sandpaper use during the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

The allegations concern Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft at a press conference after sandpaper was used on the ball during a Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

A report identifies Saker as the unnamed coach in Usman Khawaja’s memoir, which describes wider involvement in the team’s efforts to make the ball swing.

Khawaja has questioned why only Smith, Bancroft and David Warner faced sanctions, saying the practice involved more people in the dressing room.

The account says Saker allegedly told Smith and Bancroft not to name sandpaper, while Bancroft told reporters the object was tape.

The allegations add to questions about who knew about the scheme, but the claims about Saker remain allegations.

The sources give no further action or response from Saker.