Clarke Cautions Australian Fans on Trust in Reality

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc expressed disappointment over Usman Khawaja’s claim that the whole squad was aware of the sandpaper usage.

The four bowlers who featured in the Cape Town Test—Starc, Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon—continue to be central figures in Australia’s red‑ball lineup.

At a Sydney season‑launch event, Starc said he had paid little heed to the media coverage surrounding Khawaja’s allegations.

“There were differing views eight years ago, and we were thoroughly questioned during that period,” Starc said.

“I won’t speak for the bowlers, but my view and recollection remain unchanged since our 2021 statements.”

“We never knew the sandpaper was taken onto the field for tampering. We saw it on the stadium screen in Cape Town. Regarding the book, I haven’t read it and likely won’t, so Usman can explain further.”

“It’s certainly disappointing that this is the topic as we head into an exciting Australian summer. Opinions varied at the time and have persisted over the past eight years.”

“I think Trav [Head] noted that the group has changed significantly. We look forward to what lies ahead, and we’re certainly not the 2018 side; the current group is strong.”

Khawaja also asserted in his book that sandpaper was used during the second Test at Port Elizabeth, a claim that Clarke said warranted investigation.

Starc noted that this was the first he had become aware of any such incident occurring in Port Elizabeth.

Warner, who received a one‑year ban for the incident, has supported Khawaja’s recollection, stating on Monday that they were “100% accurate”.

Greenberg, who assumed the role of Cricket Australia CEO in March 2025 after heading the Australian Cricketers’ Association, argued that achieving consensus about the series events was always likely to be difficult.

“You inevitably reach a point where one person’s version of events conflicts with another’s, and I’m unsure what outcome people are seeking,” he added.

“I believe people desire a single, unified outcome, but that’s unrealistic here given the conflicting perspectives surrounding the same moment in time.”

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