Updated

Australia captain Pat Cummins has rejected former team-mate Usman Khawaja's claims about the 2018 sandpaper scandal, calling them "100% wrong" and "utter nonsense" at a 68-minute media address in Sydney. Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were punished for the plot to tamper with the ball in the Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Khawaja's autobiography alleged that the whole Australia team, including Cummins, knew about the scheme and should take responsibility. Cummins said he did not know sandpaper was being used on the field, that there was no masterplan or team meeting, and that Khawaja was being casual with his reputation and that of others. He said he supports Khawaja telling his story but that people must be accountable for what they say. Cummins said he had been in contact with Khawaja and Smith but not Warner, and had met Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg, who has reviewed the original investigation files and found the accounts consistent. Earlier, Mitchell Marsh repeatedly refused to discuss the matter at a news conference, and Cricket Australia interim chair David Boon backed Cummins to remain captain. Khawaja's allegations have reopened debate about the investigation, the culture of Australian cricket and the reputations of those involved. Warner and Chadd Sayers have supported Khawaja, while Darren Lehmann, Graeme Hick and Mitchell Starc have denied his claims. The four bowlers Cummins, Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have denied any knowledge of the plot, as in their 2021 joint statement. Cummins said he did not recall any request that the team share responsibility, and he acknowledged that balls are sometimes altered in training.