Pat Cummins opened up about the viral going video with wife Becky.

Cummins also responded to Usman Khawaja's sandpapergate claims.

Australia captain Pat Cummins has finally addressed the viral video showing him having an animated conversation with his wife Becky Boston outside their Sydney home. The footage attracted widespread attention amid the renewed controversy surrounding the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, popularly known as Sandpapergate, following fresh claims made by former Australian batter Usman Khawaja.

Cummins dismissed speculation that he and Becky were involved in an argument. Instead, he revealed that his wife was frustrated with Khawaja’s version of events and had encouraged him to speak openly about the controversy.

Speaking during a lengthy press conference on Friday, November 13, the Australian skipper also criticised the media attention surrounding his family.

Pat Cummins explains viral video with wife Becky

The video, which was reportedly recorded outside the couple’s Sydney residence, showed Cummins and Becky engaged in what appeared to be an intense discussion. The footage quickly circulated on social media, with several reports suggesting that the couple had a disagreement.

However, Cummins clarified that there was no dispute between them. He explained that Becky was unhappy with Khawaja’s comments about the infamous scandal and wanted him to share his side of the story.

“It’s half very comical. Becky wears her heart on her sleeve. And half ridiculous. We are here talking about something that was dealt with eight-and-a-half years ago. Now, I am walking my daughter in her nappies on the front (of my house) and I have got cameras chasing me and my family. For me that’s a bit ridiculous,” Cummins said.

He further added:

“But, while we are on the topic because we think it was funny, we weren’t having a spat. Becky was very frustrated and animated and really unhappy with Usman,” Cummins said.

The Australian captain also revealed that Becky had encouraged him to express his emotions while addressing the issue.

“She just said, ‘Show your emotion. There are a lot of people who are hurting’. She was like, ‘Be honest’ and tell the details. I have been with Becky even before that tour. She has been with me,” he said.

Cummins responds to Usman Khawaja’s sandpapergate claims 

The controversy resurfaced after Khawaja discussed the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in his autobiography, Sabr. The former Australia opener suggested that knowledge of the plan to use sandpaper to alter the ball extended beyond the three players who were officially punished.

During the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town in March 2018, Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera attempting to tamper with the ball. Cricket Australia subsequently suspended Steve Smith, David Warner and Bancroft.

Cummins, who was part of that Australian team, strongly rejected Khawaja’s suggestion that the entire dressing room knew about the use of sandpaper.

“When he says ‘we all knew’, if he said ‘we all knew that the sandpaper was being used’, I am sure that’s 100 percent wrong,” he said.

The fast bowler also questioned the way Khawaja had presented the allegations.

“It looks like it’s been sitting heavy on him for a while. It’s eight and a half years ago. I get that. Maybe this is Usman’s chance and he never really got over it at the time,” Cummins said.

Khawaja’s comments affect Aussie players and their families

Cummins acknowledged that Khawaja had the right to share his personal experiences but argued that the allegations could have serious consequences for people connected to the episode.

“But this is people’s real lives and this is serious. This affects not only people, but people’s families. I’m one of the lesser ones, maybe this week I’m right there, but talking eight years ago, it was traumatic for those guys. For all of us, for Australian cricket, for fans,” he said.

The Australia captain also spoke about his long-standing friendship with Khawaja, making it clear that the latest developments had been difficult to process.

“I played 15 years, my debut for New South Wales and with Australia, Usman was right there and he’s been awesome to me and he’s a friend,” he said.

“To bring it out so flippantly and casually, I think it’s irresponsible.”

Cummins hopes the latest discussion will finally bring the Sandpapergate controversy to a close. However, his comments have once again brought one of Australian cricket’s most damaging episodes into the spotlight.