Marsh declines to address Khawaja’s ball-tampering allegations
Australia’s ODI captain would not discuss his recollections of the 2018 Cape Town Test or disclose details of a recent conversation with Usman Khawaja.
Australia ODI captain Mitch Marsh has declined to say whether he knew about the ball-tampering plan during the 2018 Cape Town Test, following allegations in Usman Khawaja’s book that the entire team knew. Speaking before Australia’s ODI series against England, Marsh said his priority was preparing to lead the side.
Marsh played in the Test against South Africa and was bowling when Bancroft was filmed with sandpaper. Despite repeated questions, he would not discuss his memories of the tour. He said he had moved on personally while acknowledging that others were still hurt by what happened.
Asked whether Khawaja was lying, Marsh said he respected his former teammate’s decision to give his account and was not judging him. Marsh said he had not read the book. He also said they had spoken recently, though not since its publication, and declined to reveal what they discussed.
Mitchell Starc has also responded to the allegations, saying his recollection remained consistent with the account given in 2021. Starc declined to speak for the other bowlers. Test captain Pat Cummins is due to face questions at a Sydney press conference on Friday.
