Mitchell Marsh declined to discuss Australia’s 2018 ball‑tampering controversy at a news conference on Thursday, while captain Pat Cummins indicated he would address the issue ‘properly’ at a later time.
All‑rounder Marsh, 35, was Australia’s bowler when the scandal first emerged during the 2018 Cape Town Test. He is currently standing in as 50‑over captain for the upcoming series against England, which kicks off on Friday.
When pressed for his view on “sandpapergate” following Usman Khawaja’s recent autobiography, Marsh repeatedly said, “I’m not here to go back on my recollections of South Africa.”
“This is my choice not to go back there,” he added. “Who knows maybe I will write a book one day.”
The remarks came after Cummins and Cricket Australia announced an impromptu news conference scheduled for Friday morning (22:30 Thursday GMT).
Cummins posted on social media, “Happy to speak with any and all media about the events of this week.”
He continued, “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.”
Cricket Australia’s interim chair David Boon backed Cummins to remain captain on Thursday, though Cummins has yet to speak publicly since Khawaja’s book was released.
“We absolutely support Pat,” Boon, a former Test batsman, told The Australian newspaper.
“He’s been an exemplary captain, he’s led the team with integrity and very successfully over the period of time that he’s been captain, so there’s no question of our confidence in him continuing on in that fact.”
Since Khawaja’s book hit shelves, speculation has centred on whether Cummins and fellow bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon were aware of the plan to use sandpaper on the ball. All four remain part of the current squad.
In 2021 the quartet issued a joint statement declaring they “did not know a foreign substance was taken on to the field.”
Khawaja wrote in his memoir that “it was all of us” and urged the players to accept collective responsibility. He said there had been a discussion about using sandpaper to roughen the ball and promote reverse swing during the previous Test.
The controversy has overshadowed the build‑up to the three‑match ODI series between Australia and England, which begins at 03:30 GMT on Friday.
England captain Harry Brook said he “hasn’t seen any” of the debate.
“Obviously I have heard some conversations but we weren’t in that dressing room, we have no idea what happened, we are out here now and have a good challenge against Australia,” Brook explained. “We are just trying to focus on ourselves.”
Marsh added, “There’s been a lot of noise around this week and I respect that certain people have told their stories, but I’m not here to share mine today.
“I know that might sound weird, but it’s a big week for us and an important time for this one‑day group, and my sole focus has been on preparing for tomorrow.”
When asked why he did not wish to provide further details, Marsh replied, “My honest answer is because I’ve moved on, I respect that others probably haven’t, but I have. And I hope that’s respected.”