Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has addressed the renewed controversy surrounding the 2018 ball-tampering scandal during Australia’s tour of South Africa. His comments came after former Australia opener Usman Khawaja made fresh revelations in his autobiography, claiming that the entire team was aware of the use of sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball.

Starc, who was part of Australia’s bowling attack during the controversial series, reiterated his previous stance on Tuesday, November 10. He maintained that his recollection of the incident had not changed despite the fresh claims.

Mitchell Starc stands by his 2021 statement after Usman Khawaja’s revelations

Speaking at the launch event for Kayo Sports and Fox Cricket ahead of Australia’s home international season, Starc said he had not paid much attention to the recent coverage surrounding Khawaja’s claims. However, he made it clear that his position remained unchanged.

“I won’t speak on behalf of the bowlers, but where I stand, my opinion hasn’t changed. My recollection hasn’t changed from what we said in 2021,” Starc said.

In 2021, Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon had issued a joint statement denying knowledge of any foreign substance being taken onto the field to alter the condition of the ball. They maintained that they first became aware of the incident when the footage appeared on the big screen during the third Test in Cape Town.

Starc responds to Khawaja’s claims about the Port Elizabeth Test

Khawaja’s autobiography, Sabr, includes revelations about the second Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth, where he alleged that Australian players knew about the use of sandpaper. David Warner subsequently backed his account, describing it as “100 percent accurate”. Responding to the allegations, Starc maintained that he did not know about the incident before it came to light in Cape Town. He also revealed that he had not read Khawaja’s book and probably would not do so.

“As far as our statement said, we weren’t aware of anything being taken onto the field. We saw it on the big screen in Cape Town,” Starc added.

The pacer also disclosed that he had not spoken to Khawaja since the former opener’s recent public statements. When asked whether he intended to speak to him, Starc responded, “It’s up to him.”

Cricket Australia CEO rules out reopening 2018 investigation

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said there was no compelling reason to reopen the 2018 investigation. His comments came after Warner described the original inquiry as “botched” and called for greater accountability and transparency.

The 2018 incident at Newlands resulted in suspensions for Steve Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft. Starc, meanwhile, expressed disappointment that the renewed controversy had overshadowed the build-up to Australia’s home international summer, which begins with the first ODI against England in Perth on November 13.