Usman Khawaja Unveils Insights on 2018 Ball-Tampering Scandal in New Autobiography
Khawaja Reflects on the Infamous 'Sandpapergate'
In his recently released autobiography 'Sabr', former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja sheds light on the notorious ball-tampering incident that occurred during the 2018 tour of South Africa. He recalls how the South African team struggled against Australia's reverse-swinging deliveries during the second Test held in Gqeberha, attributing this to the use of sandpaper to manipulate the ball's condition.
The 'Sandpapergate' scandal, which erupted during the third Test in Cape Town, led to significant repercussions for the Australian team. Key players, including then-captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner, faced one-year bans from competitive cricket, while Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month suspension from both international and domestic matches.
Khawaja recounts a pivotal moment on day two of the Gqeberha Test, where South Africa's batting lineup collapsed from a solid 155/2 to 183/6 in response to Australia's first innings total of 243 runs. He reveals that sandpaper was used prior to this session, resulting in one bowler commenting on the excessive movement of the ball.
In a publication by a media house, it was disclosed that Bancroft had volunteered to use sandpaper on the ball before the team was caught in Cape Town. While Khawaja refrained from naming specific bowlers involved, he emphasized that the team collectively made mistakes and chose to remain silent over the years.
Khawaja noted that the South African bowlers managed to achieve reverse swing in under 25 overs, while it took Australia significantly longer. He warned Bancroft about the numerous cameras monitoring the match, highlighting the risks involved.
He described how Bancroft picked up the ball left by the umpires after the break, manipulating it to enhance its condition. Khawaja remarked on the impressive reverse swing, stating that even he could achieve it with the ball's altered state, leading to a remarkable bowling performance that saw South Africa lose four wickets for just 28 runs.
Khawaja acknowledged the irony of the situation, pointing out that while Australia was caught in Cape Town, they had also engaged in similar practices in Gqeberha. Despite the controversy, AB De Villiers' counter-attacking innings of 126* helped South Africa reach 382 in response to Australia's first innings.
In their second innings, Australia struggled against the Proteas' reverse swing, which began after 21 overs. Khawaja admitted that the South African bowlers were more adept at achieving reverse swing than the Australians, despite their own use of sandpaper.
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 any knowledge of the ball tampering, which angered Warner.
Before the final Test in Johannesburg, Khawaja contemplated going public with his insights but was advised by then-coach Darren Lehmann that it would not change the situation, as the punishments had already been imposed.
Khawaja also reflected on the 2017-18 Ashes series, where he noted that the Australian team had been reverse swinging the ball effectively, even before the South Africa tour. He concluded by stating that teams worldwide were exploring various methods to achieve reverse swing.