Australia embarks on its first Test series in South Africa since the infamous "Sandpapergate" episode of 2018, kicking off with the opening match of a three‑game set at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday. The clash, broadcast live on Sky Sports, pits the two current top‑ranked sides against each other in a contest that carries both sporting and historical weight. The scandal that still haunts cricket erupted during the third Test of the 2018 South Africa tour, when video footage captured Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft using a small yellow implement that was later identified as sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball.
The revelation sent shockwaves through the game, leading Cricket Australia to impose a nine‑month suspension on Bancroft, while captain Steve Smith and vice‑captain David Warner each received twelve‑month bans for their involvement and prior knowledge of the plan. Six years later, former South African fast‑bowler Shaun Pollock reflected on the fallout during an appearance on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. "I wasn’t on air at the time, but I remember the moment the story broke and the massive impact it had," Pollock said. "We were getting messages from home saying, ‘I can’t believe this has happened.’ For the next hour or two, anything that happened on the field seemed irrelevant – the drama off the pitch dominated the conversation.
We sensed trouble was brewing." Since that tumultuous series, Australia has not returned to South Africa. A proposed 2021 tour was cancelled because of the COVID‑19 pandemic, leaving a five‑year gap between visits. In the interim, South Africa secured a landmark triumph over Australia at Lord's last summer, winning the World Test Championship final and reigniting enthusiasm for the longest format at home.
The Durban Test therefore marks the first home Test for the Proteas in 16 months and offers a chance to gauge whether the recent championship success will translate into sustained dominance. England will soon commence its own three‑match series in South Africa, beginning in December, but Pollock believes the Australian visitors will present the more coveted scalp. "There’s something special about the Australia series," he explained. "South Africa has a rich history with England, and the Barmy Army will be there, but if fans had to pick a rival, Australia would be the one, to be brutally honest." Pollock added that the World Test Championship victory has broadened the appetite for Test cricket among South Africans.
"The win has definitely created a bigger appetite for Test cricket in South Africa. That’s been a real plus for us, and I’m sure the mace will be paraded around all the venues, especially when we face Australia," he said.
When asked about the likely reception for the Australian side, Pollock anticipated a measured atmosphere rather than outright hostility. "I don’t think it will be overly hostile. There have been a few replays of the 2018 series lately, which might stir some animosity, but South Africans don’t need a billboard or a specific reason to express their feelings," he remarked.
"You’ll probably see a few fans dressed up in reference to Sandpapergate, and the incident will be mentioned, but I don’t expect it to become excessive or intense." Looking ahead to the series itself, Pollock forecasted a 2‑1 victory for South Africa in both the Australian and English contests, citing concerns over Australia’s batting line‑up as a key factor. "Australia’s batting would be a concern for me," he said. "I watched the one‑day series and they struggled against spin, which could tempt South Africa to play two spinners in the first Test." He also touched on the selection debate surrounding Marnus Labuschagne and other potential openers, suggesting that the Australian side appears unsettled.
"There’s a lot of talk about whether Labuschanne should be in the XI or not. In the past, players earned their spots through injuries, but now it feels like everyone is being thrown into the mix.
They rely heavily on Steve Smith and Travis Head, and that reliance could be a weakness," Pollock warned. The opening Test will be streamed live on Sky Sports Cricket, with coverage beginning at 7:30 a.m.
GMT and the first ball bowled at 8:30 a.m. GMT. Fans can expect a high‑stakes encounter that not only tests the cricketing skills of both nations but also revisits the lingering narrative of Sandpapergate, offering a chance for redemption, rivalry, and a fresh chapter in the storied relationship between South Africa and Australia.