Australia’s one-day captain, Mitch Marsh, has refused to address key aspects of the Sandpapergate ball-tampering scandal as journalists peppered him with questions at a press conference.
Marsh, who was bowling when Cameron Bancroft was spotted hiding a piece of sandpaper in his pants during the 2018 series, spent most of the 12-minute press conference straight-batting questions about the infamous South Africa tour and Usman Khawaja’s explosive allegations.
The very first question put to Marsh was: “Did you know that sandpaper was being used to tamper with cricket balls in South Africa?”
“Jeez, you hit a six off the first ball there, mate. Well done,” Marsh replied.
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“I respect that certain people have told their stories, but I’m not here to share mine.
“I know that might sound weird, but it’s a big week for us, and it’s an important time for this one-day group.
“I really respect that Uzzy has told his story. He’s written his book, and my focus is really on tomorrow.”
Marsh was continually peppered with questions about why he was not willing to speak on the topic.
“I’ve personally moved on,” he said.
Mitch Marsh says he has no ill feelings towards Usman Khawaja for the allegations made in his book. (Getty Images: Paul Kane)
“I respect that others probably haven’t, but I have, and I hope that’s respected.
“This is my choice to not go back there. Who knows? Maybe I’ll write a book one day.”
Marsh insisted he held no grudges against Khawaja.
“I respect Uzzy for telling his story and for writing his book, and I don’t sit here coming from a place of judgement,” Marsh said.
“Everyone’s got their story. Some will be willing to share it, and others might not, purely on the basis of the fact that they’ve moved on.
“It’s really important that at some stage we do.”
Australia’s Test captain, Pat Cummins, is set to front a press conference in Sydney tomorrow morning and has promised to answer “any and all media”.
AAP
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