Usman Khawaja's book revives debate over 2018 Australian ball-tampering scandal

Usman Khawaja's memoir, released on Tuesday, revisits the 2018 ball-tampering incident in Cape Town where Cameron Bancroft was filmed with sandpaper in his trousers. The book challenges the scope of Cricket Australia's investigation, suggesting that knowledge of the sandpaper extended beyond the three players who were sanctioned – Bancroft, captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner – and implicates additional staff members.

"We need to cop this as a team. We did it as a team, so we cop it as a team," Khawaja wrote about a conversation with then-team manager Gavin Dovey, who later became chief executive of Cricket NT. Khawaja says Dovey agreed with his view but noted that two players disagreed.

Warner described Khawaja's account as "100% accurate," while Bancroft previously told the Guardian that his actions were intended to benefit bowlers. Former head coach Darren Lehmann, who resigned after the scandal, said he was not aware of the conversation referenced in the book.

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said players were "urged to come forward" at the time of the incident and that the opportunity to do so remains open. The International Cricket Council imposed a one-match ban and a fine on Smith, while Cricket Australia handed down longer bans and fines, which Khawaja characterises as disproportionate.

The book also references a statement issued by the Australian bowlers in 2021, reaffirming that they did not know a foreign substance was used until the televised footage was shown and expressing a desire to move past the controversy.

Although Cricket Australia has indicated it will not reopen the investigation, officials expect further comments from current players such as captain Pat Cummins, former captain Steve Smith and ODI captain Mitch Marsh as they prepare for upcoming series.

Bancroft declined to comment on the book, stating he had "no further comments to add" at this stage.