Australia captain Pat Cummins says he has no concerns about Usman Khawaja’s forthcoming autobiography and any potential discussion of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
Khawaja, who retired from international cricket in January, played in all four Tests during Australia’s 2018 tour of South Africa. His autobiography is due to be released in November.
Cummins revealed that Khawaja contacted him several weeks ago to inform him that the book was being prepared, although the former team-mate did not provide details about its contents.
Australia Return to South Africa
Cummins’ comments come as Australia prepare to begin their first Test series in South Africa since the events that unfolded during the third Test in Cape Town in 2018.
The scandal centred on the use of sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball. Then-captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were subsequently banned for their involvement.
Smith said at the time that the plan had been developed by what he described as the team’s “leadership group”.
Four Bowlers Continue to Deny Prior Knowledge
Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon were the four Australia bowlers involved in that Test match.
All four have consistently denied knowing about the plan before it was exposed, despite questions over whether the bowlers could have been aware that the condition of the ball had been altered.
The quartet released a joint statement in 2021 after renewed questions followed comments made by Bancroft.
They said they only became aware that a foreign substance had been taken onto the field when television footage showed Bancroft with the sandpaper.
Cummins Says the Matter Was Already Investigated
Speaking about Khawaja’s book, Cummins said he was comfortable with his former team-mate telling his version of events.
He argued that the scandal had already been extensively investigated and discussed, with those involved having answered questions about it on numerous occasions.
Cummins said he considered the episode dealt with and emphasised that his attention was now focused on leading the Australian team.
He also pointed to the development of the group over the years since the controversy.
Bancroft’s Comments Reignited Questions
The issue resurfaced in 2021 when Bancroft was asked by The Guardian whether the Australian bowlers knew what was happening.
His response was interpreted as suggesting that the bowlers’ awareness was obvious, prompting Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon to publicly restate their position.
In their statement, the bowlers rejected suggestions that they must have known simply because they were responsible for bowling with the ball.
They also pointed out that umpires Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth inspected the ball after television footage emerged and did not replace it because they did not see evidence of damage.
The four players called for speculation and rumours surrounding their involvement to end.
Starc Also Dismisses Fresh Speculation
The controversy has returned to the conversation ahead of Australia’s latest trip to South Africa.
Starc recently referred to the issue when asked about what might still emerge from the scandal, questioning what could possibly remain undisclosed after eight years.
Cummins similarly played down the possibility of major revelations, saying the incident had happened a long time ago.
He added that the group had generally moved on quickly from difficult episodes and that the scandal had not occupied much of their attention in recent years.
Australia Face a Demanding Test Schedule
The South Africa series marks the beginning of a significant period of overseas cricket for Cummins’ side.
Australia are scheduled for a challenging run of international assignments, including a home summer against New Zealand before major away series in India and England.
The Ashes in England will also be on the agenda next year, adding further importance to the team’s preparations and selection decisions.
Green’s Absence Creates Selection Question
Australia will enter the opening Test without all-rounder Cameron Green, who has been ruled out through injury.
His absence leaves the visitors considering their options in the middle order, with Cooper Connolly and Nic Maddinson among the players competing for the vacancy.
The final selection will form part of Australia’s preparations for the Durban Test.
South Africa Select Two Spinners for Durban
South Africa have also made their selection plans with conditions in mind.
The Durban pitch is expected to provide assistance for spin, with the hosts including Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer in their XI.
The opening Test will therefore combine a renewed cricketing rivalry with the backdrop of an eight-year-old controversy that continues to attract attention whenever Australia return to South Africa.
For Cummins, however, the focus remains on the current team and the upcoming series rather than revisiting the events of 2018.
