Alyssa Healy Expresses Mixed Feelings on Mitchell Starc and Sandpaper Scandal

Alyssa Healy has opened up about her mixed feelings regarding her husband Mitchell Starc's connection to the sandpaper scandal. In light of Usman Khawaja's recent revelations in his autobiography, Healy expressed her conflict and the emotional toll on those involved. Cricket Australia’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, emphasized the need to move forward rather than revisit past controversies. Healy's comments highlight the human aspect of the situation, urging support for those affected by the scandal. As the cricket community looks ahead, the focus remains on the future of the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 16:40 IST

Alyssa Healy's Thoughts on the Sandpaper Controversy

File image of Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc(Photo: @sudhanshu_729/X)

New Delhi, Nov 10: Former captain of the Australian women's cricket team, Alyssa Healy, has shared her mixed emotions regarding her husband Mitchell Starc's involvement in the sandpaper scandal. She expressed feeling 'slightly conflicted' and found it challenging to comment on the situation.

In his recently published book titled Sabr, ex-batter Usman Khawaja revealed that the entire Australian Test squad was aware of the ball-tampering incident during the 2018 Cape Town Test against South Africa.

Khawaja's autobiography also disclosed that the Australians had engaged in ball tampering during the second Test of the same series, not just the infamous third Test.

Starc, however, has dismissed Khawaja's allegations, reaffirming his support for a joint statement made in 2021 with fellow bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, which denied any knowledge of the sandpaper incident during the Cape Town match.

At a recent event for Kayo Sports and Fox Cricket, Healy remarked, 'It's a tough situation to comment on. Right now, I feel somewhat conflicted, and I'm caught in the middle. I will wait to see how this unfolds in the media and whether Cricket Australia decides to pursue it further. For now, I will observe and see where it leads.'

Cricket Australia’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, stated that revisiting the investigation after eight years would serve no purpose. Healy echoed this sentiment, saying, 'I watched it eight years ago as well. The cricket community has moved on. Greenberg's comments about not reopening the investigation are a positive indication of our progress and focus on the upcoming summer season.'

She added, 'I empathize with everyone involved. There is a human aspect to this, and it’s important to remember the emotional toll on those being brought back into this narrative. We need to support those affected.'