Arabic version: سايرز يدعم خواجة في خلاف ورق الصنفرة
According to BBC News, former Australia bowler Chadd Sayers says he helped remove sandpaper from the field during the Test before the 2018 Cape Town scandal and believes “everyone knew” of the plan to tamper with the ball.
Sayers, 39, was Australia’s 12th man for the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, then known as Port Elizabeth. He supported Usman Khawaja’s account that sandpaper was used in that match, saying on SEN Radio that it was handed to him to take off the field during a wicket or drinks break after tea. He said the removal had not been planned.
The former bowler also recalled a dressing-room meeting lasting between 60 and 90 minutes after Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper in Cape Town. Sayers said players discussed what had happened and whether to take collective responsibility. He said sandpaper was used in two Tests and there were discussions in the changing rooms, while adding that he was not taking sides but giving his recollection.
Khawaja has said the entire Australia team knew about the plan and should have accepted responsibility. Australia captain Pat Cummins, who was a bowler in the squad, rejected those claims as “100% wrong” and “utter nonsense”. David Warner has accused Cricket Australia of a cover-up, while former fast bowler Jason Gillespie said the governing body should take the lead in managing the continuing situation. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has said the 2018 investigation will not be reopened or its findings made public.
