Australia ODI captain addresses Khawaja claims

LISTEN LIVE: Cummins to address Khawaja book Friday 9:30am

Australia's ODI captain and former Test player Mitch Marsh has commented on Khawaja's sandpaper revelations.

With Test captain Pat Cummins preparing to break his silence tomorrow morning, Marsh fielded a number of questions surrounding the incident ahead of Australia's first ODI against England tomorrow.

Marsh played an incredibly straight bat in his responce.

“There’s obviously been a lot of noise around this week,” Marsh said.

“I respect that certain people have told their stories, but I’m not here to share mine today. 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. My sole focus has been on preparing for tomorrow.

“I’m walking out tomorrow to captain my country in a really exciting series against England in a World Cup year. My focus has been on that this week.

“For me, tomorrow is really important. That’s where my focus has been. I’m not here to go back on my recollections of South Africa.

“As I’ve already stated, I really respect that Uzzie has told his story. My focus is on tomorrow.”

Cummins will break his silence over the bombshell ball tampering claims made by Usman Khawaja throughout the last week, agreeing to address the media tomorrow morning.

Cummins has been criticised in recent days for remaining silent amid allegations that the Aussies used sandpaper before the 2018 Cape Town Test and that the entire team was aware of it.

Khawaja's claims in his new book Sabr have been supported by David Warner - who was banned for his part in the scandal - but others who were part of the team remain adamant they are false.

Finally addressing the media frenzy, Cummins took to social media to say: "I'm training at Cricket Central tomorrow (Friday) morning before the Blues play in the Shield match.

"Happy to speak with any and all media about the events of this week at 9.30 am.

"I've taken some time to try and better understand the long list and full extent of Uzzy’s allegations so I can respond properly.

"Afterwards please stay and support the Blues! I’ll ask CA to send out details."

Cummins words come 24 hours after Khawaja cancelled the rest of his book tour after a tense interview with the ABC on Tuesday night during which he was asked directly if Cummins had any prior knowledge of the sandpaper plan.

Khawaja said: “I’m not going to answer that. I’ve written what I’ve written in my book. I’ve come out and stood by those three guys and told my account. I think (former teammate) Chadd Sayers came out the other day and [backed me up]. I’m not going to speculate on behalf of anyone else.”

Asked later if the book had impacted his relationship with Cummins, Khawaja added: “I’m not sure. But I’ve been friends with Pat a long time. I’ve told my truth and I’ve given my reasons at the end of the day. I think some things I’ve always stood for - my values and what I think is right. Yeah, there’s no ideal way of doing this, but I can’t speak for Pat.”