Former Australia bowler Chadd Sayers challenged Pat Cummins over the sandpaper scandal, stating that everyone in the team knew about the ball-tampering plot during the Newlands Test.
Sayers Disputes Cummins Claims on Change-Room Knowledge
Speaking to SEN Radio ahead of the second ODI against England in Adelaide, Sayers challenged Australia captain Pat Cummins’ recent characterization of the controversy. Cummins had previously described allegations from former team-mate Usman Khawaja that every Australian player knew about using sandpaper as “utter nonsense.” Sayers offered a direct contradiction based on his time as 12th man during the series in South Africa.
“I’m comfortable sitting here right now and where I stand on the situation, that I believe everyone in that side knew what was going on and what was being used.”
said Chadd Sayers, former Australia bowler.
Sayers said that the illicit material was utilized across two Test matches. He described explicit discussions taking place within the change-rooms regarding methods to achieve reverse swing.
“It [sandpaper] was used in two Test matches and there were discussions in change-rooms of how we were going to get the ball to reverse and what was going to be used.”
Sayers told SEN Radio.
The 39-year-old added that his own recollection remained firm regarding the atmosphere and conversations among the players at the time.
“My recollection isn’t as clear as it was obviously eight years ago, I just know that there were numerous conversations of it around in the change-rooms. I knew that it was going to be used, as I believe everyone else did.”
Sayers stated.
Twelfth Man Duties and the Plan at Newlands
Detailing the operational aspects of the plot, Sayers explained his specific involvement while performing 12th man duties on the field. He outlined the planned sequence involving Cameron Bancroft and the umpires.
“The plan was that Cameron Bancroft was going to take that out, the ball was going to be dropped on the ground by the umpires, and he was going to go about business.”
Sayers said.
He described how the offending item was handed over to him during the match.
“[The sandpaper] was given to me to take off. I was just the player who took the drinks out at the time. [I came] on to the field with drinks and, yeah, it was passed on to me.”
Sayers told SEN Radio.
Reflecting on the demographic and pressures within the squad, Sayers pointed to a desire to secure a permanent place in the team. Sayers said he was trying to fit into the Australian side, probably similar to Cam Bancroft, and they were probably a young demographic then.
They did not know how big it was going to get and guessed they probably did not think they were going to get caught doing it.
| Participant | Role in 2018 Match | Stated Position on Awareness |
|---|---|---|
| Pat Cummins | Current Australia Captain / Fast Bowler | Denies widespread team knowledge (“utter nonsense”) |
| Usman Khawaja | Opening Batter | Claims entire team was aware of the plot |
| Chadd Sayers | 12th Man / Bowler | Supports Khawaja’s claims, states everyone knew |
Discussions on Accountability and Public Release
Sayers also addressed the period following the discovery of the incident, mentioning discussions among team members regarding public responsibility that Cummins has previously disputed.
“It’s been hard because you obviously got to tiptoe around and not be able to tell the truth.”
Sayers said.
He concluded by expressing relief at being able to speak about the events openly. Sayers said it had probably been a relief now that it was out there in the open and he could speak openly about it. It was a bit of a relief that it was out.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
