Former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann has pushed back against claims made in Usman Khawaja’s upcoming autobiography, Sabr, denying that the entire Australian team was aware of the plan to tamper with the ball using sandpaper during the infamous 2018 Newlands Test against South Africa.Speaking to ABC Grandstand, Lehmann acknowledged that ball-tampering was historically a widespread part of international cricket, but rejected Khawaja's assertion that "it was all of us." Lehmann stated he had no knowledge of alleged conversations regarding sandpaper use during the second Test in Gqeberha, nor did he recall Khawaja giving a dressing room speech calling for collective responsibility. He also confirmed he was not the mystery coach Cameron Bancroft reportedly spoke to shortly before television cameras captured the incident.
Lehmann—who resigned following the 2018 tour despite being cleared of direct involvement by Cricket Australia—expressed dismay at reopening old wounds, revealing that the aftermath severely impacted his mental health and kept him indoors for four months. While acknowledging Khawaja’s right to share his perspective, Lehmann suggested the timing and nature of the revelations were driven by book sales, noting that Khawaja had not contacted him prior to the book’s release.
Cricket Australia has reaffirmed the integrity of its initial investigation, which sanctioned only Steven Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft. Meanwhile, active members of the 2018 squad have yet to publicly address the latest claims ahead of upcoming international commitments.