Ball tampering scandal rocked AUS vs SA Tests in 2018 (Source: AFP & Web)Australia is touring South Africa to take part in a multi-format series, commencing on the 24th of September. The Aussies take on the reigning World Test Championship winners for a three-match Test tour starting on October 9.Notably, this marks the first time South Africa has welcomed Australia for a series including Tests since the infamous “Sandpapergate” scandal in 2018.In this article, let’s take a stroll down the memory lane and explore how the ball-tampering unfolded the last time Australia toured South Africa for Tests.2018 Ball-Tampering Scandal, aka “Sandpapergate”In March 2018, Australia’s then Test captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month bans from international and domestic cricket by Cricket Australia after being found guilty of their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.The controversy, which later became known as “Sandpapergate”, unfolded on the third day of the Test, with Australia and South Africa having split the first two matches of the four-Test series.The Ball-Tampering Plan was hatched during lunchWith South Africa in control, Australia’s senior players discussed altering the condition of the ball to generate more reverse swing. Cameron Bancroft was ultimately tasked with carrying out the plan.Bancroft attempted to rough up the ball using yellow tape and dirt from the pitch. However, television cameras soon caught him working on the ball.The footage showed Bancroft appearing to realise that he had been spotted before putting the object down his trousers. When the umpires approached him, he produced what appeared to be a sunglasses pouch.The umpires inspected the ball but did not believe its condition had changed enough to warrant replacing it or awarding South Africa five penalty runs. However, the incident soon escalated beyond the field.Steve Smith, Bancroft admitted the planAfter play, Smith and Bancroft admitted that they had attempted to alter the ball. Smith said the plan had come from the team’s “leadership group” and accepted responsibility.Smith’s admission raised questions about who else knew about the plan and how extensively it had been discussed within the Australian camp.Also read: Steve Smith Adds New Layers To Sandpaper Gate ScandalCricket Australia’s subsequent investigation established that Warner had instructed Bancroft to carry out the plan using sandpaper. Smith knew about the plan but failed to prevent it.Coach Darren Lehmann also came under scrutiny, although the investigation determined that Smith, Warner and Bancroft were the players aware of the ball-tampering plan.The Fallout began before the Test was overThe consequences arrived almost immediately!Smith and Warner stood down as captain and vice-captain for the remainder of the Test, with Tim Paine taking over as Australia’s stand-in captain. Smith was suspended by the ICC for the fourth Test and fined his entire match fee, while Bancroft was fined 75 per cent.Cricket Australia then launched a wider investigation into the scandal.The controversy overshadowed the final stages of the Test. South Africa set Australia a target of 430, with Bancroft and Warner opening the chase and putting on 57.After Bancroft was run out, however, Australia collapsed. They lost their final 10 wickets for just 50 runs and were bowled out for 119.South Africa won by 322 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series.The severe final punishmentsThe investigation resulted in 12-month bans for both Smith and Warner, while Bancroft received a nine-month suspension. Smith and Warner were also barred from leadership positions for a period.The scandal also cost all three players sponsorship deals and brought Smith and Warner’s South Africa campaigns to an abrupt end.The Cape Town Test became far more than another chapter in the Australia-South Africa rivalry.What began with an attempt to alter the condition of a cricket ball during a lunch break led to televised footage, admissions, an investigation, leadership changes and lengthy suspensions.Now, as Australia return to South Africa for a Test series, the events of that infamous Cape Town afternoon remain an important part of the history surrounding the two teams.Also read: Who Is Jack Edwards, Pat Cummins' Replacement In AUS vs SA 1st ODI?
