‘We didn’t know’: Mitchell Starc stands by his version of Sandpapergate despite David Warner backing Usman Khawaja

File Pic: Australia’s Mitchell Starc and Usman Khawaja (Photo by Reuters) Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc is standing by his version of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, insisting his memories of the infamous Sandpapergate episode have not changed, even as former teammate David Warner publicly backed Usman Khawaja’s explosive claims about the controversy.Starc’s response comes a day after Warner threw his weight behind Khawaja, describing the former Australian opener’s revelations as “100% accurate” and questioning the credibility of Cricket Australia’s investigation into the incident.In his autobiography, Sabr, Khawaja claimed that knowledge of the ball-tampering operation went beyond the three players who were punished – Steve Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft – and that the entire Australian dressing room, including players and support staff, should have accepted collective responsibility.However, Starc maintained that his position remained consistent with a statement issued by Australia’s bowling quartet in 2021, which denied prior knowledge of a foreign object used to tamper with the ball.

Starc insists on 2021 declaration after Warner backs Khawaja

Speaking at an event to mark the start of Australia’s summer of cricket, Starc said he had not followed the revived debate closely but made it clear his recollection of the events remained unchanged.“I didn’t really pay much attention to it to be fair,” Starc said, as quoted by Fox Sports.“Obviously there are different opinions from eight years ago. We were heavily grilled at that time and since then by this process. I won’t speak for the pitchers, but from my perspective, my opinion hasn’t changed and my memories haven’t changed since what we said in 2021,” he added.Starc also reiterated that the bowlers were not aware of any foreign ball-tampering substance entering the pitch during the Cape Town Test.“We didn’t know anything was taken on the field to be tampered with. We saw it on the big screen in Cape Town,” he said.In 2021, Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon issued a joint statement after their integrity was questioned due to the scandal. The quartet said they were unaware a foreign substance had been introduced onto the pitch until they saw the footage on the stadium’s big screen at Newlands.Starc also addressed Khawaja’s claim that sandpaper was used during the previous Test at Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha. He said he had no prior knowledge of the alleged incident and left it up to those who claim to elaborate.

Warner calls Khawaja’s revelation ‘100% accurate’

Warner, one of three players handed a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia following the incident in Cape Town, publicly supported Khawaja in a video posted on Instagram.“It’s been eight years since I spoke about this. And Uzzie (Usman Khawaja), I give you my full support. Thank you for what you did. It’s 100% accurate what you said. Now everybody knows the truth. It’s out there. People wanted to know; you came out and said it, and now people are saying, ‘Why after eight years?’ Talking about selling a book – that is Usman’s story. Usman believes that,” Warner said.Warner also questioned why Khawaja, who sat next to Bancroft during the Cape Town Test, was not questioned as part of Cricket Australia’s investigation.“Now, this whole interview process was rushed and botched. Uzzie was sitting next to Cameron Bancroft; Uzzie wasn’t interviewed. How is that a thorough investigation? It baffles me,” he said.“It’s about accountability, about transparency, about making sure the truth is properly investigated. And maybe it’s time for people to stop investigating the person asking for accountability and start asking those who are responsible for the investigation to provide it,” Warner added.He also revealed that the renewed discussion forced him to explain the events and their aftermath to his daughters, especially his 12-year-old Ivy, who wanted to know why the family was surrounded by cameras and why she was crying on TV.“It’s been a tough thing. But one thing I’ve said is, ‘Girls, tell the truth because the lies will come out eventually,'” Warner said.He concluded by reiterating his support for Khawaja, saying: “It’s been a difficult time for my family, Steve and Cameron no doubt, but this is what had to come out. I fully support it, Uzzie.”

Cricket Australia rules out a new investigation

The renewed claims have also brought Cricket Australia’s original findings back into focus. A 2018 board investigation concluded that Smith, Warner and Bancroft were involved in a ball-tampering conspiracy, while other members of the team were cleared of wrongdoing.Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the governing body would not reopen the investigation despite the fresh revelations in Khawaja’s book.“There are specific details in his book that contradict the versions given by others,” Greenberg said.“We said we were satisfied with the outcome of the investigation based on the information we received. That includes what we saw from Usman and our position has not changed on that.”Greenberg added that Cricket Australia saw no compelling reason to revisit the matter.