New Delhi, November 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Australia T20I captain Mitchell Marsh has declined to comment on renewed allegations surrounding the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, saying he has moved on from the episode and does not wish to revisit his recollections of the controversial South Africa tour.
The controversy has resurfaced following the release of former Australia opener Usman Khawaja’s memoir Sabr, in which he reportedly claimed that knowledge of the ball-tampering plan extended beyond the three players who were ultimately sanctioned. His revelations have raised fresh questions about how much other members of the Australian squad knew about the scheme.
Asked about his knowledge of the plan to bring sandpaper onto the field during the Cape Town Test in 2018, Marsh refused to offer his version of events, saying his priority was Australia’s immediate cricketing commitments.
“There’s been a lot of noise and I respect that certain people have told their stories, but I’m not here to share mine today. I know that might sound weird, but it’s a big week for us and an important time for this one-day group, and my sole focus has been on preparing for tomorrow,” Marsh said.
He also acknowledged Khawaja’s decision to share his account in the book, adding that he had personally spoken to the former opener before its release.
“My honest answer is because I’ve moved on. I respect that others probably haven’t, but I have. And I hope that’s respected,” Marsh said.
The Australian all-rounder was also asked why he had not signed a statement issued by the team’s four frontline fast bowlers — Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon — denying prior knowledge of the sandpaper plan. He declined to elaborate, reiterating that he did not want to revisit his recollections of South Africa.
Marsh was part of the Australian squad during the 2018 tour alongside his brother Shaun and bowled 12 overs in the Cape Town Test.
The scandal resulted in Cameron Bancroft, then captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner being sent home. All three subsequently served suspensions. In the aftermath, Marsh and Hazlewood were appointed vice-captains of the Test team under new skipper Tim Paine.
With the England series taking centre stage, Marsh has sought to keep attention on Australia’s current campaign rather than reopen a controversy that continues to cast a shadow over the team’s history.
FOLLOW NOW
