Clarke calls to reopen Australia ball-tampering inquiry

Australian cricket has been plunged back into controversy as former captain Michael Clarke demands a full reopening of the investigation into the infamous sandpaper scandal during the 2018 Test series against South Africa. Clarke argued that Australian supporters have yet to move past the damaging incident and that the original inquiry failed to uncover the full extent of the team's internal actions.

The renewed scrutiny follows revelations in Usman Khawaja's new book, in which the opening batter asserted that the entire squad was well aware of the use of sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball during the third Test in Cape Town. That initial scandal resulted in year-long bans for then-captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and batsman Cameron Bancroft, while an independent Cricket Australia probe previously cleared the bowling attack of any direct knowledge.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Clarke stressed that Khawaja's allegations directly implicate current Australia Test captain Pat Cummins, who was part of that bowling lineup in South Africa and now must publicly address the claims. Clarke believes that specific details outlined in the book directly contradict previous official statements provided by players and officials during the initial fallout.

Meanwhile, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, a fixture in the red-ball side alongside Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, expressed his disappointment over Khawaja's assertions. Starc specifically responded to claims that sandpaper was also utilized during the second Test in Port Elizabeth, stating categorically that it was the first time he had ever heard of such activity occurring at that venue.