Usman Khawaja's recollection of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal involving Australia is "100% accurate", says David Warner.
Warner, along with captain Steve Smith, were banned from cricket for a year, while teammate Cameron Bancroft received a nine month barring from the sport after Australia were found to have used sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball during a Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.
Former Aussie opener Khawaja revealed last week that every single player in the team knew about the plan to use sandpaper, despite constant denial from the bowling group in the eight years since the incident occurred.
In a statement released on Instagram, Warner said that Khawaja's recollection of 'Sandpaper gate' is "100% accurate", as well as claiming that Cricket Australia's investigation into the incident was "rushed and botched".
"It's been eight years since I spoke on this topic. And Ussie, I throw my full support behind you," said Warner. "I thank you for what you've done. It's 100% accurate what you've said. Now everyone knows the truth."
Khawaja, 39, also claimed that he was never approached by Cricket Australia to give evidence while the investigation was ongoing.
"This is Usman's story. This is what Usman believes. Ussie wrote down every single thing from that day on," Warner continued.
"This whole interview process was rushed and botched. Ussie was sitting next to Cameron Bancroft. Ussie was not interviewed.
"How is that a thorough investigation? It baffles me. We're not here to point fingers and we're not opening old wounds. It's about accountability, transparency, ensuring that the truth is properly examined."
In 2021, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon released a joint statement claiming that they had no knowledge of the plan to alter the condition of the ball.
Cummins has captained Australia's red-ball side since 2021 and all four bowlers still play key roles in the side.
Following the statement published by Khawaja, Cricket Australia said that they would not be reopening the investigation into the events that occurred in Cape Town, saying they "remain comfortable" with their initial findings.
"There has been a great deal of speculation in the eight years since the 2018 Cape Town Test, including extensive media coverage throughout last month's series in South Africa," a statement read.
"During this time there has been the ongoing opportunity to present any relevant information, and this remains the case.
"All relevant information presented to CA to date has been properly considered and we remain comfortable with the findings of our integrity process."
