Wasim questions Cummins’ Sandpapergate denial, says bowlers would spot tampering

MELBOURNE (Agencies): Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram has questioned Australia captain Pat Cummins’ claim that he was unaware of the use of sandpaper during the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, arguing that any experienced bowler would immediately recognise the difference between natural wear and deliberate damage to the ball. Speaking in a video posted on social media on Saturday from Melbourne, Wasim said the marks left by sandpaper were distinctly different from those caused by normal contact with the ground. “As a bowler, I’ll have a look at the ball and know straight away something is not right,” Wasim said. “He said he didn’t know (about the use of sandpaper). As a bowler, when the cricket ball comes into my hand, whether it’s the fifth over, the tenth over or the fiftieth over, you look after the ball, you shine one side of the ball. But the sandpaper scratch is totally different than the one-bounce scratch.” Wasim suggested that the difference could easily be identified through a simple comparison, saying anyone could take a semi-new ball, rub sandpaper against it and observe the resulting marks. The former Pakistan captain, widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of reverse swing, described Cummins as “a very close friend” and insisted he was not taking sides in the controversy, which has resurfaced following revelations by former Australia opener Usman Khawaja in his autobiography Sabr.

Khawaja alleged that knowledge of the ball-tampering plan was widespread within the Australian dressing room, including among the bowling group, during the 2018 tour of South Africa. At the time, Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball during the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town. Then-captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Bancroft subsequently received suspensions, while Cricket Australia undertook a wider cultural review. Cummins, however, rejected Khawaja’s allegations during a lengthy press conference in Sydney on Friday, describing them as “100 per cent wrong” and “complete and utter nonsense”. The Australia captain maintained that he had no knowledge of sandpaper being taken onto the field and denied being an architect of the ball-tampering scheme. He also said he was genuinely shocked to learn that Khawaja had warned Bancroft to be careful while using the sandpaper.

Wasim said the controversy had also raised wider questions about Australia’s reputation for honesty and sportsmanship. “Australians are famous for their straightforwardness, their hardness on the field and off the field, and most importantly honesty. I think that’s why the whole nation has been under stress a bit,” he said. “I hope things get sorted out, but this is my take.” Cricket Australia has ruled out reopening its investigation into the 2018 scandal despite the fresh allegations. Wasim’s intervention, however, has added further weight to a debate that continues to divide opinion over what players knew during one of the most damaging episodes in Australian cricket. More than eight years after the Newlands incident, the renewed controversy has once again put the Australian team’s conduct and the credibility of its account of events under scrutiny.