Sports
Australia begin first South Africa Test series since 'Sandpapergate'
October 7, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Coverage
3 reports · over 7 hours
TGThe Guardian
Travis Head hits back at Australia greats for firing a ‘bullet through’ current Test players
(opens the publisher’s site)
AJAl Jazeera English
South Africa host Australia who battle more than ‘Sandpapergate’ memories
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
Sandpapergate: South Africa broadcaster on the 'fluke' which rumbled Australia
(opens the publisher’s site)Australia play their first Test series in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, with Steve Smith admitting he remains traumatised by the affair.
- Australia play their first Test in South Africa since the 2018 scandal when the three-match series starts in Durban on Friday.
- SuperSport director Alvin Naicker said the Australians were caught by an "absolute fluke" of camerawork that spotted Cameron Bancroft rubbing the ball.
- Steve Smith said he still suffers flashbacks and gets anxious around cameras after being banned for a year over the scandal.
- Travis Head accused former players of "putting a bullet" through the team after Matthew Hayden criticised the selectors.
- Travis Head said the game has changed since the golden generation, citing lower batting averages and harder wickets.
- Head confirmed he will continue opening the batting, dismissing commentary that questioned that role.