Marsh refuses to revisit 2018 ball‑tampering allegations ahead of England ODIs

Australia ODI captain Mitchell Marsh repeatedly declined to revisit the 2018 ball‑tampering scandal during a press conference held ahead of the upcoming home ODI series against England, saying he was not there to share his recollections despite persistent questioning from reporters.

Marsh was a member of Australia’s playing XI in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town in March 2018, the match in which television footage showed Cameron Bancroft using sandpaper on the ball. The controversy resurfaced after former Australia batter Usman Khawaja published his autobiography, Sabr, released on Tuesday, in which Khawaja alleges that knowledge of the plan to use sandpaper was not confined to Steve Smith, David Warner and Bancroft.

Asked if he knew sandpaper had been used in Cape Town, Marsh declined to answer directly and stressed his focus on the immediate assignment. "There's obviously been a lot of noise around this week. I respect that certain people have chosen to tell their stories, but I'm not here to share mine today," he said, adding that his priority was leading the one‑day side during an important period with a World Cup year approaching.

Reporters pressed whether Australian supporters deserved to hear his version of events eight years on; Marsh reiterated his concentration on the upcoming series. "I'm walking out tomorrow to captain my country in a really exciting series against England, in a World Cup year. My focus has been on that this week," he said, and when probed again about revisiting South Africa replied, "As I said, I'm not here to revisit my recollections of South Africa."

When questioned specifically about Khawaja's suggestion that players beyond the three who were sanctioned had knowledge of the plan, Marsh declined to comment on the allegations or dispute Khawaja's account. "I really respect the fact that he's told his story and written his book. My focus is really on tomorrow," he said, later adding, "My honest answer is that I've personally moved on. I respect that others probably haven't, but I have, and I hope that is respected."

The 2018 incident prompted a Cricket Australia investigation that led to significant sanctions: Bancroft received a nine‑month suspension, while then captain Steve Smith and vice‑captain David Warner were banned from all cricket for 12 months, with Cricket Australia identifying Warner as the chief architect of the plan and Smith and Bancroft also facing sanctions.

Reactions to Khawaja's account have varied since Sabr was published: Warner described the memoir on Monday as "100 per cent accurate," while fast bowler Mitchell Starc denied on Tuesday that he had prior knowledge of the ball‑tampering. Khawaja has said he is not seeking a fresh investigation or forcing former teammates to speak publicly, but hopes those involved will come forward and discuss the matter honestly.

Marsh reiterated that his immediate responsibility is to prepare and lead a relatively inexperienced Australian one‑day side for the forthcoming home series against England, with the captain set to lead the team in that series.