David Warner: Former opener says Usman Khawaja ‘100% accurate’ on sandpaper ball tampering

Former Australia opener David Warner says that Usman Khawaja is “100% accurate” in his recounting of the national side’s ball tampering in the 2018 series with South Africa.

David WarnerImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

David Warner was Test vice-captain at the time of the ball-tampering scandal

ByMike PeterBBC Sport journalist

Usman Khawaja is “100% accurate” in his recounting of the Australia ball-tampering scandal in 2018, says former team-mate David Warner.

Australia were found to have used sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Warner and captain Steve Smith were banned a year and fellow batter Cameron Bancroft for nine months.

Khawaja last week said the entire Australia team knew about the use of sandpaper, despite consistent denials from the bowlers that they had knowledge of the plan.

Warner, who retired from international cricket in 2024, said in a video statement on Instagram:, external “It’s been eight years since I spoke on this topic. And Ussie, I throw my full support behind you.

“I thank you for what you’ve done. It’s 100% accurate what you’ve said. Now everyone knows the truth.”

Warner said the investigation process following the incident was “rushed and botched”.

More to follow.

  • Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja
  • Usman Khawaja wearing his Australian baggy green cap
  • BBC Sport microphone and phone

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