Sandpapergate: 2018 ball-tampering scandal explained as Australia return to South Africa for Test cricket

While the Australians have attempted to downplay the seismic events of 2018 in their first Test tour of South Africa since the ball tampering scandal, the episode has not been forgotten by the South African broadcaster.

6 sources8 Oct 2026Updated 12d ago

Sandpapergate: 2018 ball-tampering scandal explained as Australia return to South Africa for Test cricket

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The story so far

South Africa v Australia - Australia in South Africa 2026, 1st Test.
‘Our cameras will be sharp’: Ball-tampering scandal used to promote Test series in South Africa.
'Sandpapergate’ adds to intrigue of Australia Test tour of South Africa.
Africa’s Top 100 Banks 2026: Kenya competition fuels East Africa.

Summarised from the linked sources. Methodology

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Timeline

Oct 6
Sky News: Australia's first Test tour of South Africa since 'Sandpapergate' in 2018 begins with the first of three Tests in Durban on Friday - live on
Oct 7
Brisbane Times (AU): While the Australians have attempted to downplay the seismic events of 2018 in their first Test tour of South Africa since the ball tamperin
Oct 8
African Business: Africa’s Top 100 Banks 2026: Kenya competition fuels East Africa
Oct 8
Sky News: It was the ball-tampering scandal that rocked world - and particularly Australian - cricket.
Oct 8
Sky Sports (GB): What was Sandpapergate, who was involved and what were the punishments? Ball-tampering scandal from 2018 in focus as Australia return to Sou
4h ago
CNBC: South Africa v Australia - Australia in South Africa 2026, 1st Test