‘We weren’t aware’ – Starc denies knowledge of taking sandpaper onto the field

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has denied prior knowledge of sandpaper being brought onto the field during the controversial 2018 tour of South Africa. Speaking ahead of Australia's home international season, Starc reiterated the Australian bowling quartet's 2021 statement, insisting they only became aware of the ball-tampering plan when footage appeared on the big screen in Cape Town.

Starc's comments follow claims in Usman Khawaja's new autobiography, which alleged wider team awareness and detailed earlier ball tampering in Port Elizabeth. While David Warner backed Khawaja's claims and called for transparency, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed there is no compelling reason to reopen the investigation.