Boland denies seeing wrongdoing after Khawaja’s tampering claims
Nic Maddinson has also criticised the renewed focus on the scandal as Usman Khawaja prepares to publish his autobiography.
Scott Boland says he has not witnessed improper conduct while playing for Victoria or Australia, responding to ball-tampering allegations from Usman Khawaja. Nic Maddinson also criticised Khawaja’s comments and questioned their timing.
Excerpts from Khawaja’s forthcoming autobiography contain his allegation that the whole Australian side knew about ball tampering before the Newlands match against South Africa. Captain Pat Cummins is among those who have rejected claims that such knowledge was widespread.
Khawaja also alleged that Victoria had been particularly adept at tampering during the early part of Boland’s first-class career. Speaking in Melbourne, Boland said he did not understand the techniques Khawaja was referring to and had seen no wrongdoing himself.
Maddinson described the controversy’s return as disappointing, linking it to the approaching Christmas book-selling period. He said renewed attention did not help the three players who received bans and came as Australia approached a significant six months of cricket.
Cam Bancroft was caught altering the ball with sandpaper at Newlands. He, Steve Smith and David Warner were subsequently banned. Boland first played Test cricket three years after the Cape Town incident.
