Mitchell Marsh has made it clear that he does not want to reopen the 2018 ball-tampering controversy involving Australia during their infamous tour of South Africa. Ahead of the first ODI against England in Perth on November 13, the Australian captain faced several questions about the scandal, but he refused to share his memories of it.
Marsh was part of all four Tests during the 2018 series in South Africa and was bowling during the Cape Town Test match, which has once again come under the spotlight after Usman Khawaja's recent revelations in his autobiography.
However, Marsh wants to keep his focus on the upcoming three-match ODI series and has made it clear that he has personally moved on from the controversy.
The questions started as soon as Mitchell Marsh's press conference began. The Australian captain was directly asked whether he knew that sandpaper was being used to tamper with the ball in South Africa. Marsh responded with a light-hearted remark.
Marsh told the reporters, as quoted by Cricinfo, "You've got six off the first ball there, mate. Well done.” Read Also: Ex-Australia PM Malcolm Turnbull hits back at Usman Khawaja over Sandpapergate claims.
Marsh refuses to revisit Australia's darkest chapter
The Australian captain then explained that there had been a lot of discussion around the issue in recent days. While he respects those who have decided to share their experiences, he was not there to tell his own story.
Marsh stressed that his full attention was on preparing Australia for the first ODI against England. He shared, "There's obviously been a lot of noise around this week, and I respect that certain people have told their stories, but I'm not here to share mine today.”
The star all-rounder added, "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, and my sole focus has been on preparing for tomorrow. It was a really tough time for Australian cricket. I know there's still a lot of people hurting. But now is not the time for me to share my story.”
The 2018 ball-tampering controversy has returned to the headlines after Khawaja made fresh claims in his book. Well, Marsh said that he respects Khawaja's decision to share his experiences and does not judge anyone for choosing to speak about the incident.
He also revealed that he had spoken to Khawaja before his autobiography was released. When asked why he was not ready to speak despite being Australia's captain, Marsh made his priorities clear. Read Also: David Saker accused of asking Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft to hide Sandpaper truth.
The star all-rounder shared, “That's exactly it. I'm walking out tomorrow to captain my country in a really exciting series against England in a World Cup year, and my focus has been on that this week. My honest answer is because I've personally moved on. I respect that others probably haven't, but I have, and I hope that's respected.”
Mitchell Marsh says he won't look back
Mitchell Marsh was also questioned about not signing the statement released by Australia's four frontline bowlers in 2021 after Bancroft's interview. He refused to speak on behalf of the other players.
The skipper signed off by saying, “As I've stated, I'm not really keen to go back into my recollections of any of the times throughout that period.”
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