Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Steve Smith Revisits Sandpapergate Before South Africa Test Return
Steve Smith is an Australian cricket player.
In 2018, he and other Australian players were punished for using sandpaper to change a cricket ball.
Smith was banned for one year and lost his captaincy.
He said that time was very difficult and sometimes still comes back to him.
Camera flashes can remind him of the intense media attention he faced.
Smith says he has learned from what happened and moved forward.
He is now preparing to play in South Africa again.
Australia and South Africa will play three Tests, starting in Durban on October 9.
Steve Smith said memories of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal still occasionally return to him.
Smith was suspended for 12 months and removed as Australia captain after admitting involvement in using sandpaper to alter the ball.
David Warner received the same ban, while Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months.
Smith said camera flashes and memories of leaving Johannesburg and facing a press conference can trigger flashbacks.
Australia will begin a three-Test series against South Africa in Durban on October 9, marking Smith’s first Test return there since 2018.
- Who
- Steve Smith, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and the Australian cricket team are central to the account; South Africa is Australia’s opponent.
- What
- Smith recalled the 2018 ball-tampering scandal and discussed his mental response before returning to South Africa for a Test series.
- When
- The scandal occurred in March 2018; the new three-Test series begins on October 9.
- Where
- The scandal took place during a Test in Cape Town, while the upcoming series begins in Durban, South Africa.
- Why
- Smith discussed the episode because he is preparing to return to South Africa for the first time since the scandal.
- Scandal
- Australia’s 2018 ball-tampering controversy became known as Sandpapergate.
- Smith’s punishment
- A 12-month suspension and removal as Australia captain.
- Warner’s punishment
- A 12-month suspension and loss of leadership responsibilities.
- Bancroft’s punishment
- A nine-month suspension.
- Upcoming series
- Australia will play South Africa in a three-Test series.
- Opening match
- The series begins in Durban on October 9.
- Smith’s reflection
- He said camera flashes can trigger memories of the traumatic period.