Usman Khawaja Unveils Insights on 2018 Ball Tampering Scandal

In his autobiography 'Sabr', Usman Khawaja opens up about the notorious ball tampering scandal that rocked Australian cricket during the 2018 South Africa tour. He shares insights into the events leading up to the scandal, the internal team dynamics, and the fallout from the incident. Khawaja's revelations provide a unique perspective on how the Australian team navigated the pressures of international cricket and the consequences of their actions. This account not only highlights the challenges faced by the players but also reflects on the broader implications for the sport. Discover the full story behind the scandal and its impact on cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 09:31 IST

Khawaja's Insights on Ball Tampering

Former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has shed light on the infamous ball-tampering incident that occurred during the 2018 South Africa tour. He highlighted how the South African team struggled against reverse-swing deliveries in the second Test at Gqeberha, attributing this to the use of sandpaper to manipulate the ball's condition. The scandal, known as 'Sandpapergate', involved Australia during the third Test in Cape Town, leading to significant penalties for then-captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and player Cameron Bancroft, who faced bans ranging from nine months to one year in competitive cricket.

In his autobiography 'Sabr', Khawaja recounts the dramatic final session of day two in the Gqeberha Test, where South Africa fell from a solid 155/2 to 183/6 while chasing Australia's first innings score of 243. He noted that sandpaper was used before this session, resulting in one bowler commenting on the excessive movement of the ball. Reports indicate that Bancroft had volunteered to use sandpaper prior to their eventual exposure in Cape Town.

Details of the Gqeberha Test

Khawaja observed that the South African bowlers achieved reverse swing in under 25 overs, while it took the Australians significantly longer. He warned Bancroft about the scrutiny from numerous cameras during the match. Following the break, Bancroft picked up the ball left by the umpires and manipulated it, resulting in a ball that was shiny on one side and rough on the other due to the sandpaper. Khawaja expressed astonishment at how easily the ball reversed swung, leading to the Australians taking four wickets for just 28 runs.

He reflected on the moment when a bowler remarked on the excessive swing, humorously noting that they were not planning to alter the ball further since the damage had already been done. Khawaja also pointed out that while they were caught in Cape Town, it does not mean they hadn't engaged in similar actions in Gqeberha. Despite the controversy, AB De Villiers' remarkable innings of 126* helped South Africa secure a lead and ultimately win the match.

Internal Tensions and Fallout

During the investigation by Cricket Australia, Khawaja, who was near Bancroft during the Cape Town Test, was not interviewed. He expressed frustration when a bowler publicly denied knowledge of the sandpaper usage on a TV show, which angered Warner. Khawaja recalled Warner's reaction and the subsequent text he received.

Before the final Test in Johannesburg, Khawaja contemplated going public with his insights. However, after discussing with then-coach Darren Lehmann, he was advised against it, as the punishments had already been issued, and further comments could exacerbate the situation.

Previous Incidents During The Ashes

Khawaja also reflected on the tactics used during the 2017-18 Ashes series against England, where the Australian team effectively worked on the ball to achieve reverse swing. He described a memorable moment when Mitchell Starc bowled a remarkable delivery to James Vince, noting that they had successfully reverse swung the ball in previous matches as well. Khawaja concluded by acknowledging that teams worldwide were experimenting with various methods to enhance reverse swing.