Australia captain Tim Paine has revealed that Cameron Bancroft has held 'clear-the-air' talks with the four Australia bowlers who played in the 'Sandpaper gate' Test after implications that they knew of the ball-tampering scandal. Tim Paine says Cameron Bancroft has held 'clear the air' talks with Aussie bowlers this week'Obviously what I did benefits bowlers and the awareness around that, probably, is self-explanatory,' the batsman said. The four bowlers have since issued a strongly-worded statement maintaining their innocence while calling for an end to 'rumour mongering' and 'innuendo'. And Paine, who took over captaincy duties following Steve Smith's ban after the scandal, has said that Bancroft has spoken with the four bowlers following his interview. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke also opined that the four bowlers in question ought to have known of the condition of the ball.

Source: Daily Mail May 19, 2021 07:45 UTC