Cummins denies knowing ball was tampered with in Sandpapergate or 2017/18 Ashes
Pat Cummins denies knowing the ball was tampered with during Sandpapergate or the 2017/18 Ashes.
Pat Cummins has rejected claims he knew the ball was tampered with. This addresses allegations tied to both Sandpapergate and the 2017/18 Ashes at the WACA.
During that series, Usman Khawaja claims the team raised the quarter seam on the ball for reverse swing. Cummins said he noticed the seam looked higher than normal at times but thought it was standard practice.
Pat Cummins said players examined the ball and umpires inspected it, and neither found anything wrong. When asked what more could be expected, Cummins said players and officials had already checked and seen nothing.
- 2017/18 Ashes
- Test series
- WACA
- Test location
- quarter seam raised
- Accused seam alteration
Why it mattersBall tampering allegations carry serious consequences for players and teams; Cummins' response shows the ongoing scrutiny cricket faces over equipment conduct.
AustraliaThis affects Australia's cricket reputation and the careers of players involved, with fresh scrutiny on historic matches and equipment standards.
