Gilchrist and Waugh urge cricket to move past ball-tampering dispute
Cricket Australia will not reopen its investigation into the 2018 scandal, despite renewed claims and conflicting accounts from players.
Former Australian teammates Adam Gilchrist and Mark Waugh have called for an end to the public dispute over the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, with Waugh supporting Cricket Australia’s decision against a fresh investigation.
The controversy has resurfaced ahead of Australia’s opening ODI against England following claims in Usman Khawaja’s book. Khawaja alleged the entire team knew about plans to alter the ball with sandpaper and that it had also been used during the preceding Test at St George’s Park, Gqeberha.
David Warner supported Khawaja’s account and criticised the original inquiry, which concluded that knowledge of the plan was limited to Warner, Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith. Mitchell Starc denied knowing about the plan, referring to the bowlers’ 2021 statement.
Speaking at a Kayo event, Gilchrist said players should resolve their differences privately. He acknowledged that some had been deeply affected and said continued public exchanges would prolong the dispute.
Waugh questioned what another investigation could achieve without additional evidence. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has said agreement among the players is unlikely.
Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Paul Marsh said differing memories and perspectives were understandable eight years later. He defended players’ right to discuss their experiences or leave them behind, and called for abuse of those involved to stop.
