Pat Cummins ready to respond to Usman Khawaja’s Sandpaper Gate claims

Pat Cummins (File pic)

Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins is prepared to share his perspective following the explosive claims made by Usman Khawaja in his autobiography, stating that he needed time to assess the allegations before commenting publicly.

Usman Khawaja's book, 'Sabr', has revived the controversy surrounding the 2018 Cape Town Test against South Africa. In the book, the former batter alleges that the entire squad knew about the plan to use sandpaper to alter the ball's condition, claiming that then-captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and opener Cameron Bancroft were made scapegoats by cricket officials despite wider knowledge within the team.

Cummins confirmed he will be available to speak with reporters on Friday at Cricket Central ahead of New South Wales' Sheffield Shield fixture.

"I'm training at Cricket Central tomorrow morning before the Blues play in the Shield match," Cummins wrote on 'X'.

"Happy to speak with any and all media about the events of this week at 9.30 am. I've taken some time to try and better understand the long list and full extent of Uzzy's allegations so I can respond properly."

Khawaja withdraws from media duties amid criticism

Meanwhile, Khawaja has stepped back from promotional interviews for his autobiography after facing backlash over a Tuesday evening television interview, where he struggled to respond to pointed questions about whether frontline bowlers Cummins, Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon participated in ball-tampering discussions.

Asked directly if Cummins knew in advance about the sandpaper plan, Khawaja declined to answer, maintaining he had simply told his "truth" in the book.

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke questioned Cummins' silence on 2DayFM's Breakfast with Nath & Emma, insisting the team must clarify what happened.

"I can't believe we haven't heard from Pat Cummins yet, the Australian captain," Clarke said, noting that Cummins may never have become captain had Steve Smith not been stripped of the role after the 2018 scandal.

Meanwhile, the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) has urged an end to the uproar reignited by Khawaja's claims. Recently, David Warner also backed Usman Khawaja and questioned the investigation during the Sandpaper Gate.

(With inputs from PTI)