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Former Australia bowler Chadd Sayers has revealed that he helped remove sandpaper from the field during a match prior to the infamous 2018 Cape Town Test. Speaking on SEN Radio, the 39-year-old backed former teammate Usman Khawaja’s account over current captain Pat Cummins, stating he believes the entire squad was aware of the ball-tampering plan.
Sandpaper Used Across Multiple Tests
Sayers served as the 12th man during the second Test of the 2018 series against South Africa in Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth. He recalled being handed sandpaper to take off the field after tea during a wicket or drinks break, supporting Khawaja’s book claim that the abrasive material was utilized before the Cape Town incident.
Following Cameron Bancroft’s exposure in Cape Town, Sayers described a dressing room meeting lasting 60 to 90 minutes. He said the team gathered after the day’s play to discuss the incident and figure out their next steps, including conversations about taking collective responsibility.
“I am comfortable sitting here that I believe everyone in that side knew what was going on and what was being used,” said Sayers, who played his sole Test match in the final game of that South African tour.
Dispute Over Team Knowledge
The controversy re-emerged after Khawaja wrote in his book that the full squad had knowledge of the ball-tampering plan. Cummins forcefully rejected those allegations during a recent press conference, labeling them “100% wrong” and “utter nonsense”. Australian bowlers Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon have consistently maintained that they had no prior knowledge of the scheme.
Meanwhile, former vice-captain David Warner accused Cricket Australia of a “cover-up”, suggesting that Hazlewood, Starc, and Lyon were never interviewed as part of the governing body’s investigation. Warner, Bancroft, and former captain Steve Smith all served extensive suspensions for their involvement in the scandal.
Calls for Transparency from Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has resisted calls to release the investigation’s findings or reopen the inquiry, stating the organization is satisfied with its 2018 probe. However, former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie told BBC Sport that the governing body needs to address the public directly rather than trying to close the matter.
Gillespie explained that the Australian public holds the national cricket team in high regard and demands clarity when allegations of blatant cheating arise, adding that the intense media scrutiny indicates the issue is far from resolved.
