What is sandpaper gate? Explaining the ball-tampering scandal, players involved ahead of Australia vs. South Africa Tests
This article provides a historical overview of the 2018 'sandpaper gate' ball-tampering scandal involving the Australian cricket team. It serves as context for the upcoming Test series between Australia and South Africa at the same venue.
Why it matters
The scandal remains a significant moment in cricket history, impacting the reputations of key players and the intensity of future Australia-South Africa rivalries.
Australia play their first Test series in South Africa since 2018 with the opening match starting on Friday, October 9, at Kingsmead, Durban.
Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon played in the Newlands Test where the ball-tampering scandal known as sandpaper gate happened. Steve Smith is in the squad too.
The scandal cost Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft their places on that tour and months out of cricket. Smith is the only one of the three going back to South Africa for Tests. His comments before this tour show the memory has not faded.
South Africa beat Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's, so the series carries sporting weight as well. The third Test is at Newlands in Cape Town, the ground where it all happened.
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