# Starc Denies Knowledge of Sandpaper Usage in Port Elizabeth Mitchell Starc refutes claims regarding awareness of ball-tampering tactics during the controversial match. - **Source:** [ESPNcricinfo](https://www.espncricinfo.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e974ca4d-6742-48b4-964a-23d1b9b7dd87 ## Starc Denies Prior Knowledge Mitchell Starc has officially denied any awareness regarding the use of sandpaper on the field during the Port Elizabeth Test. This statement follows recent claims made by Usman Khawaja, which brought the infamous ball-tampering incident back into the public eye. Starc maintains he was unaware of the illicit activities occurring. ## Khawaja's Controversial Revelations Usman Khawaja recently described the events in Port Elizabeth as ridiculous, reigniting discussions about the team's internal knowledge of the scandal. His detailed account suggests that the use of sandpaper was not an isolated act by one player. These comments have forced teammates to address their level of involvement and awareness. ## Cricket Australia's Official Stance Cricket Australia CEO has stated there is no compelling reason to reopen the formal investigation into the sandpaper incident. Despite the renewed public interest and Khawaja's recent remarks, the governing body remains committed to its original findings. They believe the matter was adequately addressed during the initial disciplinary proceedings conducted years ago. ## Lehmann Rejects Collective Awareness Former coach Darren Lehmann has publicly denied Khawaja's suggestion that everyone in the team would have known about the tampering. Lehmann argues that such knowledge was likely restricted to a very small group of individuals. His rebuttal highlights the ongoing tension and conflicting narratives surrounding the team's culture during that period. ## Warner Supports Khawaja's Claims David Warner has thrown his support behind Usman Khawaja following the latest revelations regarding the sandpaper scandal. Warner's backing adds significant weight to the claims, suggesting that the internal team dynamics were more complex than previously reported. This public alignment indicates a shift in how players are now discussing the past. ## Bancroft Seeks To Move On Cameron Bancroft, who was central to the original ball-tampering incident, has expressed a desire to move on from the controversy. He remains focused on his current career rather than revisiting the details of the Port Elizabeth match. Bancroft's stance reflects a broader fatigue among the players regarding the recurring media scrutiny. ## Strained Team Relationships When asked if he would speak to Usman Khawaja about these recent comments, Mitchell Starc noted that it is entirely up to Khawaja. This response underscores the potential friction within the cricketing community as old wounds are reopened. The lack of direct communication suggests lingering discomfort regarding the team's historical actions. ## Impact of Historical Scandals The persistence of the sandpaper scandal demonstrates how historical integrity issues continue to haunt professional sports teams long after initial sanctions. As players offer conflicting accounts, the legacy of the Port Elizabeth match remains a divisive topic. Future discussions will likely continue to test the unity of the former teammates involved. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1562104.html?ex_cid=OTC-RSS — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._