Australia embarks on its first Test series in South Africa since the infamous "Sandpapergate" scandal of 2018, kicking off with the opening match of a three‑game set at Durban this Friday. The clash, broadcast live on Sky Sports, pits the two current top‑ranked nations against each other in a showdown that carries both sporting and historical weight.
The controversy that still echoes through cricketing circles unfolded during the Cape Town Test in March 2018, when Cameron Bancroft was caught on television using a small yellow implement that turned out to be a piece of sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball. The incident sparked a massive outcry, leading Cricket Australia to impose a nine‑month suspension on Bancroft.
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 paceman Shaun Pollock reflected on the episode during the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. "I wasn't on air at the time, but I remember the shock when the story broke.
We got messages from home saying, 'I can’t believe this is happening.' For a while, everything happening on the field seemed secondary to the drama off it. We sensed trouble brewing," he said. Australia has not toured South Africa since that fallout, and a scheduled 2021 visit was scrapped because of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
The two nations did meet last summer at Lord's, where South Africa secured a memorable victory in the World Test Championship final, adding another layer of rivalry to the upcoming series. Durban’s opening Test marks South Africa’s first home Test in 16 months, and the match is expected to draw considerable attention from fans worldwide.
England will soon begin its own three‑Test tour of South Africa in December, but Pollock believes the Australian series will be the more coveted prize. "There’s something special about facing Australia," he explained. "The history with England is wonderful and the Barmy Army will be there, but if fans had to pick a scalp, Australia would be it, to be brutally honest." He added that South Africa’s recent World Test Championship triumph has sparked a renewed appetite for the longest format of the game.
"The win has definitely boosted interest in Test cricket here. I’m sure the trophy will be displayed at every venue because it’s Australia we’re playing," Pollock said. Regarding the atmosphere, Pollock expects a spirited but not hostile reception for the Australian side.
"There have been a few replays of the 2018 series lately, which may have stirred some animosity, but South Africans don’t need a billboard to find a reason to taunt the Aussies. You’ll probably see a few fans dressed up for Sandpapergate, but it won’t be over the top," he noted.
When asked about his predictions, Pollock foresees a 2‑1 series win for South Africa against both Australia and England. He cites the current instability of the Australian batting line‑up as a key factor.
"Australia’s batting is a concern for me. I watched their one‑day series and they struggled against spin. That could tempt South Africa to field two spinners in the first Test," he said. Pollock also highlighted selection uncertainties, particularly around Marnus Labuschagne.
"There’s a lot of debate about whether Labuschagne should play or not. In the past, players earned their spots through injuries, but now it feels like selections are being made on a whim. The side seems unsettled and heavily reliant on Steve Smith and Travis Head," he added.
The first Test will be available live on Sky Sports Cricket, with coverage beginning at 7:30 am BST (8:30 am local time) for the opening delivery. Fans can expect a blend of high‑stakes cricket, lingering memories of past controversy, and a fresh chapter in the storied rivalry between South Africa and Australia, all set against the backdrop of a nation eager to showcase its renewed passion for the longest form of the game.