SuperSport takes a dig at Australia with Sandpapergate reminder ahead of Test series

South African broadcaster SuperSport has revived memories of one of Australian cricket’s biggest controversies with a pointed message ahead of the country’s first Test series in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, widely known as Sandpapergate.
SuperSport posted a promotional message on X ahead of the three-Test series, writing: “Our cameras will be sharp for this 3-match Test series.” The post, accompanied by camera emojis, was an unmistakable reference to the broadcaster’s role in exposing the scandal at Newlands in Cape Town in March 2018.
The opening Test between South Africa and Australia begins at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday, October 9, with the match scheduled to start at 1 pm IST.
The broadcaster’s remark carries particular significance because its cameras captured the incident that brought Australian cricket under intense scrutiny eight years ago.
During the third Test against South Africa on March 24, 2018, Australian batter Cameron Bancroft was filmed using a small yellow object to alter the condition of the ball. The footage showed him working on the ball before attempting to conceal the object in his trousers. The images were subsequently shown on the stadium’s big screen, turning the incident into an international controversy.
The episode became known as Sandpapergate and triggered a major crisis for Australian cricket. Bancroft, then captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner faced disciplinary action. Smith and Warner received 12-month suspensions from international and domestic cricket, while Bancroft was banned for nine months. Smith also stepped down as captain.
The controversy extended beyond the players involved. Australia’s team culture and leadership came under scrutiny, and the incident left a lasting mark on the careers of those associated with it.
The upcoming series will be Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since that infamous 2018 campaign. The teams will play three Tests, with the series moving from Durban to Gqeberha before concluding at Newlands, the very ground where the scandal unfolded.
Australia captain Pat Cummins has played down the prospect of the old controversy dominating the tour, describing it as an event from the past. South Africa coach Shukri Conrad, meanwhile, has said he would welcome some banter from spectators, provided it remains respectful.
SuperSport’s message has ensured that Sandpapergate is back in the conversation before the first ball has even been bowled. For Australia, the return to South Africa brings a fresh cricketing challenge alongside an unavoidable reminder of a chapter the team would rather leave behind.