Australia captain Pat Cummins has found himself at the centre of the renewed Sandpapergate controversy after Usman Khawaja made fresh revelations in his autobiography, Sabr. With questions mounting over what the Australian team knew about the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, Cummins has now agreed to face the media and respond to the allegations.

Ahead of the press conference, footage of Pat Cummins having an animated conversation with his wife, Becky, on a Sydney street has also attracted attention. The video, published by The Australian, shows the couple speaking before entering a nearby property.

Usman Khawaja makes shocking Sandpapergate revelations, Michael Clarke grills Pat Cummins

Khawaja's autobiography, Sabr, released on November 10, has brought the 2018 ball-tampering scandal back into the spotlight. The former Australia opener revisited the team's tour of South Africa and claimed that discussions about altering the ball had taken place before the infamous Cape Town Test.

According to Usman Khawaja, the plan was discussed during the second Test in Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha. He claimed Cameron Bancroft volunteered to use sandpaper during that match, when Australia were able to generate reverse swing. Khawaja also alleged that the team knew about the plan before Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper in Cape Town.

Khawaja said he was sitting beside Bancroft during the third Test and witnessed interactions involving the batter. He also questioned the investigation conducted by Cricket Australia, pointing out that he was never interviewed despite being part of the touring squad.

The original investigation held Steve Smith, David Warner and Bancroft responsible. The three received suspensions, while Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon issued a joint statement in 2021 denying prior knowledge of a foreign substance being taken onto the field.

David Warner has backed Khawaja's account, while former Australia captain Michael Clarke has questioned why Cummins has not responded publicly. Clarke has called for the matter to be examined again, arguing that Australian supporters still deserve clarity about what happened.

Pat Cummins fully prepared to address Usman Khawaja's Sandpapergate claims

After remaining quiet amid the latest allegations, Pat Cummins has confirmed that he will speak to the media. On Thursday, November 12, the Australia captain announced on X that he would hold a press interaction at Cricket Central in Sydney on Friday morning.

Cummins said he had taken time to understand the full extent of Khawaja's claims before responding. He also invited all media outlets to attend the session, which is scheduled for 9:30 am AEDT.

"I'm training at Cricket Central tomorrow 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 wrote on X.

Watch: Pat Cummins caught in heated exchange with wife Becky

Meanwhile, Cummins' first public appearance since Khawaja's revelations has attracted attention for another reason. Footage published by The Australian on Wednesday showed the fast bowler having what appeared to be an animated exchange with Becky on a Sydney street.

Wearing a T-shirt and shorts, Cummins was seen speaking with his wife before the pair entered a nearby property. The footage does not establish what the conversation was about, but its release has drawn attention because of the timing.

Pat Cummins is currently resting from Australia's white-ball series against England as he prepares for the upcoming four-Test series against New Zealand. His Friday media appearance is now expected to bring the focus back to the questions surrounding Khawaja's account of the 2018 scandal.

Pat Cummins and his wife Becky looks so animated.!!! - Usman Khawaja's revelations has raised many doubts in Cricket Australia.🥶 - Pat Cummins to address the media very soon 😭 https://t.co/9D0jI3vPFd

— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) November 12, 2026