Warner backs criticism of Lehmann over 2018 ball-tampering scandal

David Warner backed Chris Broad’s criticism of former Australia coach Darren Lehmann over the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

The debate has resurfaced after former Australia batter Usman Khawaja wrote in his autobiography that knowledge of the plan extended beyond three players.

During Australia’s 2018 tour of South Africa, Cameron Bancroft was caught trying to alter the ball with sandpaper, and Steve Smith, Warner and Bancroft received bans.

Lehmann resigned as coach shortly after the incident but received no formal sanction.

He said he had no prior knowledge, and Cricket Australia said he was not involved in the plot.

Broad argues Lehmann must have known, recalling that Lehmann had criticised Stuart Broad in 2013 over a separate sportsmanship dispute.

Warner agreed with Broad, but the claims have not led in these accounts to any announced new investigation or action.