Warner backs Khawaja’s ‘Sandpapergate’ claims

Football / 8 November 2026 Wenger considering Fifa presidency bid 8 November 2026 Men's football / 8 November 2026 Liverpool Wirtz past Palace — who now sit bottom of the Premier League 8 November 2026 Liverpool 3 – Crystal Palace 1

DAVID WARNER has come out in support of Usman Khawaja���s claims that the entire Australia team and coaching staff were aware of the 2018 sandpaper scandal.

The former batter also claimed the investigation held by Cricket Australia in the aftermath of the ball-tampering controversy was “rushed and botched.”

“It’s been eight years since I’ve spoken on this topic, and Uzzi, I throw my full support behind you,” Warner, 40, said in a video on Instagram.

“I thank you for what you’ve done. It’s 100 per cent accurate what you’ve said. Now everyone knows the truth. It’s out there.”

It was during the third Test in Cape Town when television cameras showed Australia fielder Cameron Bancroft using sandpaper to help generate reverse swing.

Australia captain Steve Smith and his deputy Warner were subsequently banned for a year, while Bancroft served nine months.

Until last week nobody else involved in the tour had ever admitted culpability, responsibility or even knowledge of what was happening.

The bowling unit of Pat Cummins — now Australia captain — Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon even released a statement in 2021 denying they knew anything about the illegal tactic.

But Australia team-mate Khawaja’s bombshell autobiography, Sabr, and his interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, have reignited the controversy.

“It was all of us. Not the batters, not the bowlers, not the staff. All of us,” Khawaja, 39, told the Sydney Morning Herald, which is serialising the book.

Warner finally broke his silence today, saying: “People wanted to know it, you’ve come out and said it, and now people are saying, ‘Why eight years on?’ and talking about selling a book.

“This is Usman’s story. This is what Usman believes. Uzzi wrote down every single thing from that day on. Uzzi, thank you.

“Now, this whole interview process was rushed and botched. Uzzi was sitting next to Cameron Bancroft. Uzzi was not interviewed. How is that a thorough investigation? It baffles me.

“We’re not here to point fingers and we’re not opening old wounds. It’s about accountability, transparency and ensuring that the truth is properly examined […]

“It’s been a tough time for my family, Steven and Cameron, no doubt, but this is what needed to come out. I fully support that, Uzzi.”