Pat Cummins’ wife, Becky Boston, has publicly expressed her support for the Australia captain following his strongly worded press conference addressing the renewed Sandpapergate controversy.

Becky praised her husband’s strength and leadership after he spent nearly 70 minutes responding to allegations made by former Australian batter Usman Khawaja in his autobiography, ‘Sabr: Finding My Way in Cricket and Life’.

What is the Sandpapergate controversy?

The controversy dates back to March 2018, when Australia faced South Africa in the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town.

Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera attempting to alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper. Following an investigation, Cricket Australia handed lengthy suspensions to captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Bancroft.

Khawaja’s recent autobiography has brought the episode back into the spotlight by questioning how much the wider Australian dressing room knew about the incident.

Cummins, who was part of that touring squad, firmly denied having prior knowledge of the plan.

Also WATCH: Pat Cummins and wife Becky appear to have a public disagreement amid fresh Sandpapergate controversy

Pat Cummins clarifies viral video with wife Becky

Recently, a video showing Cummins and Becky engaged in an animated discussion outside their Sydney residence circulated widely on social media.

The footage prompted speculation that the couple were involved in an argument. However, Cummins dismissed those suggestions during his press conference, explaining that they were discussing Khawaja’s revelations.

“We weren’t having a spat. Becky was very frustrated and animated and really unhappy with Usman,” Cummins said.

He also revealed that his wife had encouraged him to speak openly about the controversy rather than hide his emotions.

“She’s always just, ‘Be honest and tell the details.’ I’ve been with Becky since well before that tour, so she’s seen everything, she’s lived it all with me. So she’s just saying, ‘Show your emotion’, because a lot of people here are hurting,” he added.

Cummins also expressed frustration about the media attention surrounding his family, particularly after cameras followed him while he was spending time outside his home with his young daughter.

Becky backs husband Cummins after Sandpapergate presser

Taking to Instagram on Friday, Becky shared a picture of Cummins from the press conference and posted a heartfelt message in his support.

“Once again, I am beyond proud and blown away by this man’s strength and leadership.”

She also added:

“This is why I married you.”

Becky’s public message came shortly after Cummins addressed the media in Sydney, responding to Khawaja’s claims about Australia’s infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

The ex-Australia opener’s autobiography suggested that knowledge of the plan to use sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition extended beyond the three players who were officially punished.

Cummins strongly rejected those allegations, insisting that he had no knowledge of sandpaper being taken onto the field during the Cape Town Test against South Africa.

The Australia captain also criticised the way Khawaja has presented his account, arguing that the claims could damage the reputations of several former teammates.

Also READ: “Threw Uzzy under the bus” – David Warner slams Pat Cummins over Sandpapergate denial

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