Warner backs Broad’s claim Lehmann knew sandpaper was being used

Broad made the comments on Talk Radio after Lehmann denied on ABC radio that "everyone" knew sandpaper was being used during the third Test between Australia and South Africa in 2018. "Darren Lehmann surely knew all about it. And if he didn't, he shouldn't have been the coach at the time. I think he's got away lightly … OK, he left his job a few months later, but he didn't get any sanctions," Broad said.

The exchange comes amid growing resentment over the sandpaper scandal. At the Newlands Test, sandpaper was used to tamper with the ball. Warner, opener Cam Bancroft and then-captain Steve Smith were the only people punished over the incident.

Broad also accused Lehmann of double standards over the coach's response when Broad's son, England great Stuart, was given not out after nicking the ball during a controversial Ashes Test in 2013. Lehmann came out in the media saying "we're going to make him cry when he comes to Australia next," Broad said. "And here he is, the coach of the Australian cricket team that brought sandpaper out onto the field of play and denied any knowledge of this happening. I'm very angry at Darren Lehmann in this respect."

Warner's latest comments follow his backing of former Test batsman Usman Khawaja, whose autobiography, Sabr, claims the entire Australian team, including current captain Pat Cummins and the other bowlers, knew about the plot to use sandpaper, and that the tactic had also been used in the previous Test. "It's been eight years since I've spoken on this topic. And Uzzy, I throw my full support behind you. I thank you for what you've done," Warner said on social media. "It's 100 per cent accurate what you've said. Now everyone knows the truth. It's out there."

Bowler Mitchell Starc repeated his denial on Tuesday, citing a joint statement he and his fellow bowlers made in 2021. "We [bowlers] weren't aware anything was taken on to the field to be tampered with," Starc said. "We saw [the sandpaper] on the big screen in Cape Town." Asked why his account differed from Khawaja's, he said: "That's a question for him. I'll stick to what I said ... at the time, eight years ago. Clearly, there's different versions from different people."

Australian Cricketers Association chief executive Paul Marsh said on Tuesday night it was understandable that players' versions of events could differ. "There are no winners in this issue, and nothing can undo what happened," he said in a statement. "But we must recognise that there are humans in the centre of this and we are calling for the ongoing vitriol directed at those involved to come to an end." The appeal drew a rebuke from former Test batsman Damien Martyn, who posted on X: "This statement from our players union does not reflect all ex players' opinions."

Former captain Adam Gilchrist said he was saddened the saga had returned to the headlines, that it was time to move on, and he expressed concern for the mental health of individuals he said had been deeply affected. Former batsman Mike Hussey agreed with Michael Vaughan that the scandal should not be reopened, but said he understood why some of the batsmen felt aggrieved. “The penalty did not fit the crime. They should have been penalised, but I felt like it was harsh,” he said. Lehmann refused to comment when contacted.