Sports · Cricket · 7 hrs ago
Warner backs Khawaja’s claim that Australia team knew of 2018 ball-tampering
Usman Khawaja says Australia’s entire team and staff knew about the 2018 ball-tampering in Cape Town, South Africa.
David Warner has endorsed Khawaja’s account, calling it “100 per cent accurate” in a video posted on Instagram.
During the third Test against South Africa, Cameron Bancroft was filmed using sandpaper to alter the ball; Warner, Steve Smith and Bancroft were later banned.
Khawaja’s claims, shared in his autobiography and an interview, reopen questions about who knew of the plan.
Warner says Cricket Australia’s investigation was rushed and botched, noting that Khawaja was not interviewed.
Several players, including current captain Pat Cummins, have previously denied knowing about the tactic, while a bowling-unit statement in 2021 also denied knowledge.
Warner says the matter needs accountability and transparency, but no further investigation or next step is announced.
David Warner said Usman Khawaja’s account of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal was “100 per cent accurate.”
Warner backed Khawaja after the former Australia batter said the entire team knew sandpaper was being used during a Test against South Africa.
Warner also called Cricket Australia’s investigation into the incident “rushed and botched.”
Khawaja’s claims have been disputed by Australian players, including captain Pat Cummins, who have denied widespread knowledge of the plan.
Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft were banned after the incident in Cape Town.
- Who
- Former Australia opener David Warner backed Usman Khawaja’s account of the scandal.
- What
- Warner said Khawaja’s claims were accurate and criticised Cricket Australia’s investigation.
- When
- Monday, 9 November 2026.
- Where
- The ball-tampering incident occurred during a Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Warner made his comments in an Instagram video or post.
- Why
- Khawaja’s book renewed discussion of who knew about the use of sandpaper.
Khawaja and Warner
Australian bowlers who denied widespread knowledge
Knowledge of the plan
Khawaja and Warner
Khawaja said the entire Australia team knew about the use of sandpaper. Warner said Khawaja’s account was “100 per cent accurate.
Australian bowlers who denied widespread knowledge
Players including Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc denied having knowledge of the plan.
Investigation
Khawaja and Warner
Warner called Cricket Australia’s investigation “rushed and botched” and questioned why Khawaja was not interviewed.
Australian bowlers who denied widespread knowledge
Not stated
Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper to alter the ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
Cricket Australia investigated and Warner, Steve Smith and Bancroft received bans.
Khawaja said in his autobiography that the entire Australia team knew about the use of sandpaper.
Warner publicly backed Khawaja’s account and criticised the investigation.
- Incident
- Third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, 2018
- Sanctions
- Warner and Steve Smith: 12 months; Cameron Bancroft: nine months
- Khawaja’s account
- He said the entire Australia team knew about the sandpaper
- Warner’s response
- Called Khawaja’s account “100 per cent accurate
- Investigation
- Warner described it as “rushed and botched
12 sources
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What people are saying
It's 100% accurate what you've said. Now everyone knows the truth.
This whole interview process was rushed and botched.
Uzzi, you said it how it is. It's 100 per cent accurate.
We’re not here to point fingers, and we’re not opening old wounds. It’s about accountability, transparency, ensuring that the truth is properly examined.