Cummins to address "full extent" of Khawaja claims

LISTEN LIVE: Cummins to address Khawaja book Friday 9:30am

Australia test captain Pat Cummins has broken his silence over the bombshell ball tampering claims made by Usman Khawaja throughout the last week.

Cummins has been criticised in recent days for remaining silent amid allegations that the Aussies used sandpaper before the 2018 Cape Town Test and that the entire team was aware of it.

Khawaja's claims in his new book Sabr have been supported by David Warner - who was banned for his part in the scandal - but others who were part of the team remain adamant they are false.

Finally addressing the media frenzy, Cummins took to social media to say: "I'm training at Cricket Central tomorrow (Friday) 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 words come 24 hours after Khawaja cancelled the rest of his book tour after a tense interview with the ABC on Tuesday night during which he was asked directly if Cummins had any prior knowledge of the sandpaper plan.

Khawaja said: “I’m not going to answer that. I’ve written what I’ve written in my book. I’ve come out and stood by those three guys and told my account. I think (former teammate) Chadd Sayers came out the other day and [backed me up]. I’m not going to speculate on behalf of anyone else.”

Asked later if the book had impacted his relationship with Cummins, Khawaja added: “I’m not sure. But I’ve been friends with Pat a long time. I’ve told my truth and I’ve given my reasons at the end of the day. I think some things I’ve always stood for - my values and what I think is right. Yeah, there’s no ideal way of doing this, but I can’t speak for Pat.”