Mitchell Marsh has refused to delve into his version of events in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal after a grilling from the media, refusing to “go back on his recollections” from the time in South Africa.
Australia’s one-day captain addressed a lively press conference ahead of the white-ball series that opens the summer against England and said he “respected” Usman Khawaja for his decision to make the fresh claims but added that he had “moved on”.
Mitchell Marsh spoke before Australia’s ODI against England. Nine
Marsh was questioned about his knowledge of the plot to take sandpaper onto the field during the Cape Town Test in 2018, following the release of Khawaja’s book Sabr, which claims the entire team knew enough to take collective responsibility.
“There’s been a lot of noise and I respect that certain people have told their stories, but I’m not here to share mine today,” he said.
“I know that might sound weird, but it’s a big week for us and an important time for this one-day group, and my sole focus has been on preparing for tomorrow.
“I’m not here to go back on my recollections of South Africa.
“I really respect that Uzzy has told his story, he’s written his book, and my focus is really on tomorrow.”
“My honest answer is because I’ve moved on, I respect that others probably haven’t, but I have. And I hope that’s respected.”
Marsh also revealed he had spoken to Khawaja in a “private phone call” about his book and the claims Khawaja made about the team and the subsequent Cricket Australia investigation in 2018. That conversation took place before the book’s release on Tuesday.
Marsh played in the 2018 South Africa series alongside his brother Shaun. The all-rounder bowled 12 overs in the Cape Town Test. He was asked why he hadn’t signed the statement released by Australia’s four frontline bowlers – Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon – denying knowledge of the sandpaper plot, given he bowled during the match in question. Marsh refused to be drawn on the subject.
“I’m not here to speak on behalf of others. As I’ve stated, I’m not really keen to go back into my recollections of any of the times throughout this period,” Marsh continued.
“It was a really tough time for Australian cricket and I know there’s still a lot of people hurting…but now’s not the time for me to share my story.
“I honestly have had a really clear focus this week to zero in on this group and move forward.”
Mitch Marsh and Usman Khawaja spoke on the phone before the book’s release. Getty Images
After the three suspended players – Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner – were sent back to Australia, Marsh and Hazlewood became vice captains for the Australian Test team, with Tim Paine taking the captaincy position.
Marsh admitted it was “not for him to say” if Cricket Australia’s investigation into the Cape Town test scandal should be reopened.
The 35-year-old will now lead Australia against England in Perth with a relatively young group. When asked if the external noise was a distraction for the ODI squad, Marsh claimed the players were laser focused on the series ahead.
“That’s probably been the easiest part of the week for us as a group because most of the guys in this group were 15 years old playing grade cricket back then (2018),” Marsh laughed.
“We haven’t spoken about it. We’re just really focused on tomorrow and looking forward to what’s hopefully going to be a great series. I know it’s been lost in this week but, Australia versus England to kick off a summer is really exciting.”
Australia will begin a one-day international series against England in Perth on Friday, beginning at 2.30pm AEDT.
Meanwhile, in Sydney, Australian Test captain Pat Cummins will speak for the first time since Khawaja reignited Sandpapergate, calling his own press conference at 9.30am AEDT to address “the events of this week”.
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