Australia Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins addressed the media on Friday morning to respond to explosive claims made about the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal.
The controversy resurfaced after former national team opener Usman Khawaja released his autobiography titled “Sabr”, according to Cricket News.
In his book, Khawaja alleged that the entire Australian team during the South Africa tour was aware of the use of sandpaper in Cape Town, “originally appeared on Cricket News”.
Cummins hit back at the allegations during his press conference, refuting claims that the bowlers or wider team knew about the illegal ball tampering beforehand.
The fast bowler told reporters, “When he says we all knew, if by that he means that we knew sandpaper was going out on the field, that is 100% wrong.”
He added that he was genuinely shocked to discover that Khawaja admitted to telling Cameron Bancroft to be careful while using sandpaper.
Cummins also criticized the narrative surrounding a grand conspiracy, stating that there was no master plan or team meeting involving the bowlers.
Following the press conference, former teammate David Warner slammed the pace bowler and reiterated his support for Khawaja, “per Cricket News reporting”.
However, the Australia captain found strong support from his wife, Becky Cummins, who praised his leadership on social media.
On her Instagram story, Becky wrote, “Once again, I am beyond proud and blown away by this man’s strength and leadership.”
She concluded her public post by emphasizing, “That’s why I married you.”