Australia’s limited-overs captain Mitchell Marsh has chosen not to speak on controversial events of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal after facing intense questioning from media ahead of the upcoming first ODI against England.
Amid a fresh wave of attention with respect to the infamous Cape Town Test, Marsh maintained that he had already moved on and had no intention of reflecting on his previous statements. The controversy has returned following the publication of Usman Khawaja’s book, Sabr, in which Khawaja has claimed that the entire team had the knowledge of the sandpaper plan.
"You hit a six off the first ball there, Mate; well done! Look, obviously there's been a bit of noise around this week, and I respect that certain people have told their stories," Marsh said at the press conference.
Marsh made it clear that he preferred to leave the matter in the past and focus on the series against England.
"I'm not here to share mine today. 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."
Marsh also admitted Khawaja's decision to speak openly about his perspective, saying he respected his Khawaja’s position.
“Look, as I have already stated. I really respect that Uzzy has told his story, he’s written his book, and my focus is really on tomorrow. My honest answer is because I’ve moved on; I respect that others probably haven’t, but I have. And I hope that’s respected," Marsh said.