Joe Root has rejected Usman Khawaja’s suggestion that ball tampering was widespread across international cricket after the former Australia batter claimed teams around the world had been manipulating the ball to encourage reverse swing.
Khawaja reignited the controversy surrounding Australia’s 2017-18 Ashes campaign in his autobiography, Sabr, revealing that players in the Australian dressing room had experimented with the ball’s seam during their 4-0 series victory over England.
According to Khawaja, the players discovered that lifting the flaps on the quarter seam could influence the ball’s movement and help generate reverse swing.
He wrote that the technique made the ball behave almost like it had a rudder, before arguing that Australia were not alone in attempting to gain an advantage through ball manipulation.
Khawaja added that teams across the cricketing world were doing whatever they could to encourage reverse swing.
However, Root dismissed the suggestion when questioned about whether such practices were widespread.
Speaking ahead of England’s opening one-day international against Australia in Perth, the former England captain said: “I can only speak from my own experiences. That’s not how I feel.”
Root Avoids Further Questions About Sandpapergate
Khawaja’s revelations have generated fresh controversy in Australia, particularly after he claimed that knowledge of the infamous sandpaper scandal extended beyond the three players who were punished.
Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were the players who received sanctions following the ball-tampering incident during the 2018 Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.
Khawaja has since suggested that the knowledge of the plot was more widespread within the Australian team, naming several players, including current captain Pat Cummins.
Root, who captained England during the 2017-18 Ashes series, was repeatedly questioned about the allegations but declined to get involved in the controversy.
“We obviously have no idea,” he said. “It’s all speculation. Our focus, our concerns are on this three-match series.”
Asked whether the latest revelations had changed his perception of the Ashes campaign, Root maintained that he could not comment on events inside the Australian dressing room.
“I wasn’t in that dressing-room. I don’t know what went on.
I don’t want to speculate, as I said. My focus is with this team right now and what we’ve got coming up,” he added.
Khawaja Withdraws From Book Promotional Interviews
Meanwhile, Khawaja has withdrawn from scheduled television and radio appearances intended to promote his autobiography following a challenging interview on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s 7.30 programme on Tuesday evening.
During the interview, presenter Sarah Ferguson repeatedly pressed the former opener to provide further details about his claims that the wider Australian team knew about the sandpaper plot.
The questioning also focused on his suggestion that Cummins, who is now Australia’s captain, was among those aware of the incident.
However, Khawaja declined to expand on the allegations, explaining that his intention was not to create further controversy.
“I’m not here to inflame the situation any more,” he said.
“I was here to tell my truth, what I saw, what I felt, and to stick with those three guys that were made out to be the only people who have taken [the blame].”
Jacob Bethell Ruled Out of Australia Tour
Elsewhere, England have suffered another injury setback after Jacob Bethell was ruled out of the remainder of their white-ball tour of Australia because of a problem with his right knee.
The 22-year-old has experienced swelling in the knee that previously sidelined him, forcing him to abandon plans to return to action in Friday’s opening ODI at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Bethell is expected to fly back to the United Kingdom on Saturday, where he will consult a specialist to determine the extent of the latest setback.
The England all-rounder has not featured in competitive cricket since July 19, when he sustained the injury during the ODI against India at Lord’s.
His absence from the Australia tour has also raised concerns about his availability for England’s upcoming three-match Test series against South Africa.
The opening Test is scheduled to begin at Centurion on December 17.
England Call Up Two Uncapped Players as Injury Problems Mount
Bethell’s withdrawal adds to England’s growing injury concerns ahead of the white-ball fixtures against Australia.
Fast bowler Josh Tongue has already been ruled out of the three-match ODI series and the subsequent five-match T20 campaign after suffering a toe injury.
In response, England have added two uncapped players to their squad as cover.
Sussex spin-bowling all-rounder James Coles and Hampshire fast bowler Eddie Jack have both received call-ups.
Bethell’s absence is another setback for England as they work towards establishing a settled team ahead of next year’s one-day World Cup in southern Africa.
However, his withdrawal also provides an opportunity for Tom Banton to retain his place at the top of the batting order alongside Ben Duckett.
The pair formed an opening partnership during England’s recent tri-series campaign in Pakistan, where their performances gave the team an option to continue with the combination.
