Warner starts fresh Sandpapergate row after Hick rejects Khawaja's claims

The infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal has returned to the spotlight following fresh revelations by Usman Khawaja, triggering a war of words between former Australia batting coach Graeme Hick and David Warner. While Hick has strongly rejected Khawaja's claims that the entire Australian team knew about the use of sandpaper, Warner has hit back at the former coach, questioning his appointment and bringing Michael Di Venuto into the debate.

Hick, who was part of Australia's coaching staff during the 2018 South Africa tour, described Khawaja's allegations as "absolutely false". He maintained that he had no knowledge of any discussions about using sandpaper and only became aware of the incident after seeing the footage on the big screen in Cape Town. Khawaja had claimed that the entire dressing room was aware of the ball-tampering, suggesting that responsibility for the incident went beyond the three players who were eventually punished. Warner responded by taking aim at Hick's appointment as Australia's batting coach, bringing former assistant coach Michael Di Venuto into the discussion. In response to an X post on the interview, Warner wrote: "Let's get the facts straight. Graeme Hick was only appointed because Cricket Australia was unwilling to pay Michael Di Venuto what he deserved. As players, we valued Michael so highly that we even offered to contribute from our own salaries to retain him. These discussions were taking place during the New Zealand tour. That alone speaks volumes about how highly we regarded him and how determined we were to keep him involved. Adds to why Graeme has spoken!!"

The latest exchange follows the release of Khawaja's memoir, Sabr, in which the Australia batter revisited the events of the 2018 South Africa tour. His account has reopened questions about how much the dressing room knew about the ball-tampering incident and whether the original investigation captured the full extent of what happened. The controversy dates back to the third Test between Australia and South Africa in Cape Town in March 2018. Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera attempting to alter the condition of the ball using a piece of sandpaper. The incident became known as Sandpapergate and led to major sanctions against the players involved. Warner and then Australia captain Steve Smith were handed one-year suspensions by Cricket Australia, while Bancroft received a nine-month ban. The episode also led to widespread criticism of Australian cricket and prompted questions about the team's culture and leadership.