Australia ODI captain Mitchell Marsh has refused to discuss the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal, popularly known as Sandpapergate, despite facing repeated questions from reporters during a press conference ahead of the upcoming home ODI series against England. Marsh, who was part of Australia’s playing XI during the controversial third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, maintained that he had no intention of revisiting the incident.
The controversy has resurfaced following explosive revelations in former Australian batter Usman Khawaja’s autobiography, Sabr. Khawaja has alleged that knowledge of the plan to use sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball extended beyond Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, the three players who received suspensions following the incident.
When asked whether he knew about the sandpaper being used during the Cape Town Test in March 2018, Mitchell Marsh avoided providing a direct answer and insisted that his attention was on Australia’s upcoming international assignment. “There’s obviously been a lot of noise around this week. I respect that certain people have chosen to tell their stories, but I’m not here to share mine today,” Marsh said.
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The Australian captain was subsequently questioned about whether supporters deserved to hear his version of events, particularly given the fresh allegations emerging eight years after the scandal. However, Marsh remained firm about keeping his focus on the England series. “I’m walking out tomorrow to captain my country in a really exciting series against England, in a World Cup year. My focus has been on that this week,” he stated.
When reporters directly asked whether he had known about the ball-tampering plan, Marsh reiterated his position.
“As I said, I’m not here to revisit my recollections of South Africa,” he responded. The questioning continued when Marsh was asked about Khawaja’s suggestion that several Australian players knew about the plan but allowed Smith, Warner and Bancroft to face the consequences. “I really respect the fact that he’s told his story and written his book. My focus is really on tomorrow,” Marsh replied.
As expected a CA trained response from Mitchell Marsh o the Aussie media and trying to move on with his career.
You can’t blame him. He is a CA contracted player and his duty is to protect the CA’s brand and image.
CA clearly have the upper hand right now having signed an agreement with the Contracted players ensuring they don’t divulge any details related to the sandpaper gate incident.
— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) November 12, 2026
Asked whether Khawaja was lying, the Australian skipper again declined to comment before explaining that he had personally moved on from the controversy. “My honest answer is that I’ve personally moved on. I respect that others probably haven’t, but I have, and I hope that is respected,” he added.
Khawaja’s autobiography, released on Tuesday, has reopened discussions about Australia’s controversial 2018 tour of South Africa. During the Cape Town Test, television cameras caught Bancroft using sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition and generate reverse swing. Cricket Australia subsequently suspended Bancroft for nine months, while Smith and Warner received 12-month bans from all cricket. Smith also lost the captaincy, while Warner was removed from his leadership position.
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Khawaja has argued that responsibility for the incident extended beyond the three sanctioned players, suggesting that they were made scapegoats despite wider knowledge within the dressing room. Warner has publicly supported Khawaja’s account, describing his allegations as 100% accurate. However, Mitchell Starc has denied having prior knowledge of the ball-tampering incident. Khawaja has also clarified that he is not demanding another investigation from Cricket Australia. Instead, he wants those involved to speak honestly about what happened.
Meanwhile, Marsh is determined to concentrate on Australia’s immediate responsibilities, particularly with a World Cup approaching. He acknowledged the challenge of leading a relatively inexperienced squad during an important period for Australian ODI cricket. “We’ve got a great summer coming up, and it’s my responsibility now to lead this group, which is a pretty inexperienced side,” he said. While Marsh has made his position clear, his refusal to address Khawaja’s allegations means questions surrounding Australia’s 2018 Sandpapergate scandal are likely to remain a talking point.
