Lehmann disputes Khawaja claim of team-wide knowledge of sandpaper plan

Darren Lehmann has denied knowing about Australia's use of sandpaper during the 2018 South Africa tour after Usman Khawaja alleged that players and staff throughout the touring party knew of the scheme. On ABC Sport's Summer Grandstand, the former coach disputed that everyone knew.

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Khawaja's account emerged ahead of the release of his memoir, Sabr. According to ABC News, which reported his interview with Nine newspapers, the former opener said the tactic was used in the second Test at Port Elizabeth, before Cameron Bancroft was caught with sandpaper during the third Test in Cape Town. Khawaja said he had expected a fuller account of events to become public during the intervening eight years.

The allegations conflict with Cricket Australia's findings about prior knowledge of the plan. Bancroft received a nine-month suspension, while then-captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner were banned for 12 months. Australia's bowling quartet of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon publicly denied in 2021 that they knew about the scheme.

Lehmann told the ABC that ball tampering had been widespread in cricket, but distinguished that from knowing how particular players were altering a ball. He said he could speak only for himself. He also could not confirm Khawaja's account of urging the players to accept collective responsibility after Bancroft was caught, saying he was absent and occupied with Cricket Australia meetings.

Cricket Australia has maintained its position in response to the new claims. In a statement reported by ABC News, a spokesperson said the governing body had considered the relevant information submitted to it and remained satisfied with its integrity process. The spokesperson said people could still provide relevant information, as they had been able to do since the investigation.

Lehmann said Khawaja had not contacted him before the claims were made public. He described the renewed discussion as bringing back difficult memories for those involved and their families. His response leaves a clear disagreement between Khawaja's account of widespread knowledge and Lehmann's recollection.