'100% wrong': Pat Cummins slams Usman Khawaja's allegations
What's the story
Australian captain Pat Cummins has vehemently denied former teammate Usman Khawaja's claims that the entire Australian XI in Cape Town in 2018 was aware of the use of sandpaper to tamper with the ball. Speaking at a press conference in Sydney, Cummins called Khawaja's allegations "100% wrong" and "complete and utter nonsense." The controversy stems from Khawaja's new book, where he alleged that more than just the three banned players were aware of the team's ball-tampering plans during their tour of South Africa.
Allegation rebuttal
Cummins calls Khawaja's assertion 'complete and utter nonsense'
Cummins strongly rejected Khawaja's assertion that he and others were masterminds behind a plan to use sandpaper for ball-tampering.
He said, "That's complete and utter nonsense."
The Australian captain was shocked when he learned that Khawaja had told Cameron Bancroft to be careful while using sandpaper.
"That's not the Usman that I know," Cummins said, emphasizing his disbelief at the claim.
Discontent expressed
Cummins disappointed over Khawaja's decision to write a book
Cummins expressed disappointment over Khawaja's decision to write a book that he believes has hurt many people.
He said, "In his book, Ussie has been casual with my life and the lives of many others."
The Australian captain also admitted that while he supports Khawaja's right to tell his story, it is important to be accountable for what is said and done.
Team dynamics
Cummins admits team had an 'ugly underbelly' in 2018
Cummins admitted that the team had a "win-at-all-costs mentality" and an "ugly underbelly" in 2018.
He said there were "too many silos within the team" at that time, but these have since been eradicated.
However, he denied Khawaja's claims about a master-plan to use illegal methods for ball-reversal in 2018, saying there was no such plan or team meeting discussing it.
Personal experience
First and only time Cummins witnessed ball-tampering
Cummins revealed that the only time he witnessed ball-tampering in his professional career was when a New South Wales teammate used a bottle cap on the ball in a Sheffield Shield game early on.
He said, "He was a batter," and later, "He was a senior player, I won't mention him, but he took a bottle cap out in the field."
The incident was dealt with immediately by umpires who were aware of it.
Responsibility denial
Australian captain denies knowledge of this
Cummins denied any recollection of a conversation about collective responsibility for ball-tampering.
He said he doesn't remember anyone proposing they should take collective ownership, nor does he know who those two people would be.
This statement contradicts Khawaja's claim that he pushed for the entire team to take collective ownership of the ball-tampering incident in Cape Town.