Khawaja says he sought collective responsibility for Sandpapergate

Usman Khawaja says Steve Smith persuaded him not to speak publicly in 2018, and that he later held back while still playing for Australia. He says he is not blaming individuals and believes Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft took responsibility for the wider team.

• Khawaja says he wanted to speak out in 2018, but Smith talked him out of it; he says he also considered raising the issue again in 2021.· 2 sources
• He says he did not feel able to discuss the matter while he remained in the Australian team, and denies that the timing was intended to promote his book.· 2 sources
• Khawaja says Smith, Warner and Bancroft took the blame for the team and deserve justice; Cricket Australia has maintained that only those three knew of the plan.· 2 sources