\u201cI\u2019m comfortable sitting here \u2026 that I believe that everyone in that side knew what was going on and what was being used,\u201d Sayers told SEN radio on Sunday. \u201cI\u2019m not taking sides. I\u2019m neutral in all this \u2026 I\u2019m just trying to tell my side of the story and what I believe happened.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cricket Australia responded to the comments later on Sunday. \u201cWe respect the right of those in South Africa in 2018 to share their version of what they believe happened on that tour,\u201d a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe significant differences in the views expressed continues to demonstrate that it is very unlikely an agreed version of events will be reached without relevant material evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sayers played his one and only Test in the match following the sandpaper scandal in Cape Town. Photograph: Themba Hadebe\/AP<\/p>\n
The scandal has resurfaced in the wake of Khawaja\u2019s autobiography, in which he alleges the entire Australian team had knowledge of the sandpaper plot. Khawaja also claimed the Australians had previously used ball-tampering tactics.<\/p>\n
Cummins on Friday hit back at Khawaja, describing the claims as \u201ccomplete nonsense\u201d and repeating his denial of any knowledge of the ball-tampering plan.<\/p>\n
When asked of his thoughts on Cummins\u2019 press conference, Sayers said \u201cit felt a bit awkward\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t like how he [Cummins] did go at Usman and got personal. I probably get why but I don\u2019t think it needed to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sayers, whose one and only Test match for Australia was played during that South Africa tour, said it was a \u201crelief now that it\u2019s out there in the open\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been hard. Because you\u2019ve got to tiptoe around it and not be able to tell the truth,\u201d he said. \u201cSo it\u2019s a bit of a relief that it\u2019s out.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat series was supposed to be a happy one for me because I debuted the Test after. But I guess when something like that happens it always gets drawn back to that conversation and not your debut.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sayers said it was unlikely a resolution will be found.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s ever going to settle unless everyone agrees to what happened,\u201d he said. \u201cSo in that sense it\u2019s probably not going to settle.\u201d<\/p>\n
The former pace bowler also said he did recall a conversation about collective responsibility taking place after the match in Cape Town.<\/p>\n
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