Australian captain Pat Cummins has rejected Usman Khawaja's claim that he was overlooked for the captaincy because of his skin colour. He described the allegation as a serious one and asked the former opener to provide evidence, saying he did not believe that race had influenced the leadership decision.

Khawaja has revisited the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in his autobiography, Sabr, and stated that the entire Australian team knew about the incident. After then-captain Steve Smith was sent home from South Africa, wicketkeeper-batter Tim Paine took over as captain before Cummins succeeded him in 2021.

Usman Khawaja Claims Australia Was Not Ready for a Brown Captain

Usman Khawaja revealed in his autobiography that he was disappointed after missing out on the interim captaincy following Smith's departure from the 2018 South Africa tour. The former opener believed he was a natural candidate, having captained Queensland at the time.

He suggested that his earlier involvement in pay disputes with Cricket Australia affected his chances. However, Khawaja stated that his heritage was the more significant reason behind the decision, claiming the Australian cricket establishment was not ready for a brown captain, even on an interim basis.

"I was a natural selection for interim captain, but was overlooked. The second, and, I believe, more important, reason was that they weren't ready for a brown Australian cricket captain, even as an interim," Khawaja said.

Pat Cummins Demands Evidence as He Rejects Khawaja's Racism Allegations

Pat Cummins disagreed with Khawaja's explanation for missing out on the captaincy. Speaking to the media on Friday, the Australian skipper said he agreed with Khawaja on several other matters but strongly disagreed with his claim about the captaincy.

"I think of the things I've read, that's the most serious," Pat Cummins said at the press conference.

"To think that the job I hold is quarantined from people based on their skin colour, it's a pretty big statement. If you are going to say that I think you have to have evidence. And I just don't think that's the case."

"Again, I agree with Usman on a lot of things, but I disagree with him saying that if you're Australian captain you have to be of a certain skin colour, I have to disagree with that statement."

When asked whether he had witnessed any conduct he considered racist since becoming captain, Pat Cummins chose not to elaborate and directed the question back towards Khawaja.

"I'd rather not go into that. I think that's maybe a story for Uzzie. But nothing since I've been captain that I can think of."

Mahli Beardman Takes Six Wickets as England Collapse for 131 in Perth ODI

Meanwhile, Australia made a strong start to the ODI series against England at Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, with Pat Cummins rested for the series. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the hosts dismissed England for 131, with debutant Mahli Beardman producing a six-wicket haul.

England lost Ben Duckett for nine after Spencer Johnson had him caught at backward point. Xavier Bartlett then dismissed Tom Banton, who had scored 25 off 27 balls, to leave the visitors at 38/2.

Beardman took control of the innings after entering the attack. He removed Harry Brook for one, Joe Root for 17 and Jordan Cox for two. The debutant then dismissed Sam Curran and Liam Dawson for ducks to complete a five-wicket haul in just 4.4 overs.

England slipped to 65/8 before Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson added 37 runs for the ninth wicket. Johnson broke the partnership by dismissing Jacks for 25 shortly after the second drinks interval, giving Inglis his fifth catch of the innings.

Atkinson remained unbeaten on 29, while Jofra Archer scored 11 as the final pair took England past 130. Beardman then dismissed Archer to wrap up the innings at 131, finishing with figures of 6/24. Johnson claimed 3/42, while Bartlett returned 1/46.