Steve Smith Opens Up About Sandpapergate Ahead of Australia’s South Africa Test Tour
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Australia batter Steve Smith has revealed that the memories of the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal still affect him as he prepares to return to South Africa for his first Test series there since the incident.
Smith was at the centre of the controversy, widely known as “Sandpapergate,” during the third Test between Australia and South Africa in Cape Town in March 2018. He was subsequently banned for 12 months and removed from the captaincy.
Steve Smith Recalls Traumatic 2018 Experience
Smith admitted that certain memories from the scandal still return to him, particularly the intense media attention that followed the incident.
The former Australia captain recalled leaving Johannesburg airport surrounded by cameras before returning to Australia, where he faced a highly emotional press conference in Sydney.
He said the sound and flash of cameras can sometimes bring back memories of that difficult period.
Smith explained that the days immediately after being informed about his suspension were particularly challenging and that he does not want to return to the mental state he experienced at the time.
Australia’s South Africa Test Series
Smith is now preparing for Australia’s upcoming Test series against South Africa, with the opening match scheduled for October 9 in Durban.
The series will then move to Gqeberha before concluding in Cape Town, the venue where the 2018 ball-tampering controversy took place.
Although Smith has returned to South Africa for limited-overs cricket since the scandal, this will be his first Test tour of the country since 2018.
Smith’s Remarkable Test Career
Despite the setback early in his career, Smith returned to international cricket strongly and continued to establish himself as one of Australia’s leading Test batters.
He scored a century against England shortly after his return and has since built an outstanding record in the longest format.
Smith has accumulated 10,920 Test runs at an average of 56, highlighting his consistency over a long international career.
The 37-year-old has also played several Ashes series in England since the 2018 incident, where he faced strong criticism and hostile treatment from sections of the home crowd.
Smith Ready for Hostile Crowds
Smith expects the reception in South Africa to be challenging but says he has become accustomed to playing in difficult environments.
He believes experiences from previous overseas tours have helped him handle pressure from spectators.
Rather than allowing the atmosphere to affect him, Smith said he tries to use the hostility as motivation to perform well on the field.
Australia will begin its Test campaign in Durban on October 9, giving Smith another opportunity to return to the South African venue where one of the most difficult chapters of his career began.
