Australia is set to return to South Africa for Test cricket for the first time since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, known widely as ‘Sandpapergate’. The team, led by Tim Paine after Steve Smith and David Warner stepped down from leadership, faces the first Test in Durban on Friday, with coverage beginning on Sky Sports at 7:30 am and the first ball at 8:30 am.
The incident occurred on the third day of the Cape Town Test in March 2018, when Cameron Bancroft was filmed attempting to rough up the ball with sandpaper to alter its swing. After being discovered, Bancroft tried to conceal the sandpaper in his trousers, initially claiming it was a piece of tape. During a press conference later that evening, both Bancroft and captain Smith admitted to ball-tampering, though Smith did not immediately specify the use of sandpaper. He revealed that the plan had been devised by the ‘leadership group’ during lunch.
Smith and vice-captain Warner suspended their leadership roles for the remainder of the match but continued to play. Australia lost the Test by 322 runs, collapsing to 107 in their second innings, with Warner top-scoring with 32 and Bancroft making 26. Smith contributed just seven runs. All three were sent home before the fourth Test, which Australia lost by 492 runs, resulting in a 3-1 series defeat.
Cricket Australia found that the players had engaged in conduct harmful to the sport. Warner, identified as the architect of the plot, received a one-year ban and a lifetime ban from leadership roles. Smith was also banned for 12 months and barred from leadership until at least 12 months after his suspension ended. Bancroft was suspended for nine months. Additionally, Smith and Warner were removed from the 2018 IPL, while Bancroft’s county deal with Somerset was cancelled. Coach Darren Lehmann resigned after the final Test, though he was cleared of any involvement.
Some critics, including former Indian players Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh, broadcaster Mark Nicholas, and the late Shane Warne, argued the punishments were excessive. Warne described the global reaction as ‘hysteria’ and stated the sanctions did not fit the crime.
Reflecting on the scandal recently, Smith described the experience as traumatic. He recalled feeling unsupported during his return through Johannesburg airport and admitted to having flashbacks. He said he has tried to block out memories of the series but learned from the ordeal. Bancroft later revealed he considered quitting cricket to become a yoga teacher during his suspension.
All three players eventually returned to international cricket, though Bancroft’s career never fully recovered, with his last Test coming in the 2019 Ashes. Warner retired from internationals in 2024 and had his lifetime captaincy ban lifted in 2022, later leading Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. Smith continues to play for Australia.
Former South African captain Shaun Pollock suggested that while fans may reference the scandal, the response will not be overly hostile. He noted that South African supporters often find reasons to tease Australia regardless. Cricket Australia remains open to investigating any new information regarding the incident, though no further details have emerged since the original inquiry.
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