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‑Test contest in Durban on Friday. The encounter will be streamed live on Sky Sports, pitting the world’s top two ranked sides against each other in what promises to be a highly charged affair.
The ball‑tampering controversy that sent shockwaves through cricket unfolded during the Cape Town Test in March 2018, a series that South Africa ultimately won 3‑1. In that match, Cameron Bancroft was captured on camera using a small yellow implement that later turned out to be a piece of sandpaper, deliberately applied to the ball to alter its behavior. Cricket Australia responded by imposing 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 plot.
Reflecting on the fallout more than six years later, former South African fast bowler Shaun Pollock discussed the incident on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. "I wasn’t broadcasting at the time, but I remember the moment the story broke and the massive impact it had," Pollock said. "We were inundated with messages from home – people saying, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’ For an hour or two, everything that was happening on the field seemed irrelevant compared to the drama off it. We sensed that trouble was brewing." Australia has not toured South Africa since that tumultuous episode, and a planned trip for early 2021 was scrapped because of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, South Africa enjoyed a memorable triumph over Australia at Lord’s last summer, clinching the World Test Championship final. The Durban opener marks the first home Test for the Proteas in 16 months, and it arrives just as England prepares for its own three‑Test series in South Africa starting in December.
Pollock believes that, while the England series will be exciting, the Australian tour holds a special allure. "There’s something unique about the Australia series," he remarked. "South Africa and England share a wonderful history, and we’ll certainly enjoy that rivalry – the Barmy Army will be out in force – but if fans had to pick a prize scalp, it would be Australia, to be brutally honest." He added that the recent World Test Championship victory has sparked a renewed appetite for the longest format in the country. "That win has definitely created a bigger appetite for Test cricket in South Africa.
It’s a real boost for us, and I’m sure the mace will be paraded at all venues, especially when we face Australia." When asked about how South African crowds might receive the Australian side, Pollock suggested the atmosphere would be spirited but not overly hostile. "There have been a number of replays of the 2018 series over the past weeks, which has stoked a bit of animosity, I suppose," he said. "But when you play Australia, South Africans don’t need a special reason to cheer or jeer – it’s just part of the rivalry.
You’ll probably see a few fans dressed up in reference to Sandpapergate, and there will be constant reminders of the incident, but I don’t think it will become excessive." Looking ahead to the series itself, Pollock predicts a 2‑1 victory for South Africa in both the Australian and English contests, citing concerns over Australia’s batting as a key factor. "Australia’s batting is a worry for me," he explained.
"I watched the one‑day series and they struggled against spin. There’s a lot of debate about whether Marnus Labuschagne should be in the side or someone else – the lineup isn’t settled." He continued, "Back in the day, players queued for opportunities and only got a chance when there was an injury.
Now it feels like selections are being made haphazardly. The Australian side seems unsettled; they rely heavily on Steve Smith and Travis Head, and that over‑reliance could be their undoing." The first Test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket, with coverage beginning at 7:30 am GMT (8:30 am local time for the first ball). Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the best video player experience.
As the two cricketing powerhouses prepare to clash, the lingering legacy of Sandpapergate adds an extra layer of intrigue, reminding fans that the sport’s history is never far from the present.