Australian cricket star Usman Khawaja receives support from former team-mate David Warner over his account of 2018 ball-tampering scandal
David Warner has backed Usman Khawaja's claim that the entire Australian team was aware of the plan to tamper with the ball during the 2018 Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Australian cricket star Usman Khawaja has received full support from former team-mate David Warner over his account of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Warner, who was banned for a year along with captain Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, says Khawaja's recounting of events is "100% accurate.
The controversy erupted during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town when it emerged that Australia had used sandpaper to alter the ball's condition. Warner and Smith were subsequently punished, while Bancroft received a nine-month ban.
Khawaja's recent statement has sparked renewed debate about what really happened, with the former batter claiming the entire Australian team was aware of the plan despite denials from bowlers. His assertion has been widely shared on social media, with many calling for greater transparency in the investigation process.
The ongoing saga of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal continues to raise questions about accountability and transparency.
Warner's assertion that Usman Khawaja is 100% accurate on the matter has sparked a heated debate, with many calling for a more thorough investigation into the events of that day. Warner maintains that the current process has been botched, pointing out that his teammate Usman Khawaja was not interviewed during the investigation.
Warner expressed frustration at the rushed and inadequate nature of the interview process, highlighting the fact that Cameron Bancroft was present but not questioned. He questions how this can be considered a thorough investigation when key players were overlooked.
The lack of explanation for the role of bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon in the scandal has also been raised by critics. Despite being fixtures in the Australian Test team since 2021, there was no clear indication of how they failed to notice a change in the ball's state.
Warner noted that many inaccuracies and untruths have been perpetuated over the years, with some individuals remaining silent on the matter. He urged people to focus on holding those responsible for the investigation accountable rather than scrutinizing those seeking answers.
The ball-tampering scandal that rocked Australian cricket in 2018 continues to have a ripple effect on those involved. David Warner has acknowledged that Usman Khawaja was 100% accurate about his actions during the Cape Town Test.
Warner's daughters were among those affected by the incident, with the former captain explaining why he delayed responding to Khawaja's comments. He wanted to break the news of the scandal to them in person before addressing the public.
Warner revealed that his 12-year-old daughter Ivy asked him to explain the situation, and he told her that honesty is always the best policy. Tell the truth, because lies will eventually get out," Warner said he advised his daughters.
The ball-tampering incident has been a source of tension for Australian cricketers, with many still grappling with the fallout. The controversy has also raised questions about accountability and transparency within the team.
Warner's comments come as Cricket Australia continues to navigate the aftermath of Khawaja's allegations that the entire team knew about the sandpaper use.
Cricket Australia (CA) has maintained that all relevant information related to the ball-tampering scandal has been properly considered and they remain confident in their integrity process.
The statement comes as the team prepares for upcoming matches, including a four-Test series against New Zealand starting on December 9. The series will be a significant test for Australia's batting lineup after recent losses, with experienced batter Marnus Labuschagne being dropped from the squad.
Labuschagne's omission is particularly notable given his past success as the world's top-ranked Test batter, but he has struggled in recent matches, averaging just 21.83 and going 49 innings without a century.
Facts based on reporting originally published by BBC Sport.
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