# Sandpapergate: Australia's 2018 Ball-Tampering Scandal Explained

> Australia returns to South Africa after 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
- Title: Sandpapergate: Australia's 2018 Ball-Tampering Scandal…
- Summary: Australia returns to South Africa after 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Australia faces Test series in South Africa following 2018 ball-tampering scandal where…
- Keywords: sandpapergate, australia, south africa, cricket, test series, ball-tampering, steve smith, david warner, cameron bancroft, cricket australia, sports, Australia's
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/cricket/news/12040/13596022/sandpapergate-2018-ball-tampering-scandal-explained-as-australia-return-to-south-africa-for-test-cricket
- Published: 2026-10-08T06:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sandpapergate, australia, south africa, cricket, test series, ball-tampering, steve smith, david warner, cameron bancroft, cricket australia, sports
## What was 'Sandpapergate'?
The March 2018 ball-tampering scandal occurred during Australia's Test tour of South Africa when Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to alter the ball's condition.
## What happened next?
Smith and Warner stood down from leadership roles but played in the Cape Town Test as Australia slumped to a 322-run defeat after being rolled for just 107 in their second innings.
## Exact punishments?
Warner received a one-year ban and was barred from leadership roles; Smith got a 12-month ban and was ineligible for leadership roles until 12 months after his ban ended; Bancroft was suspended for nine months.
## What else did players lose?
Smith and Warner were removed from the 2018 IPL; Bancroft's county cricket deal with Somerset was cancelled; Australia coach Darren Lehmann resigned after the fourth Test.
## Were bans too harsh?
Former India internationals Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh, broadcaster Mark Nicholas, and Shane Warne argued the sanctions were too severe for the crime.
## How does Smith reflect?
Smith described the scandal as traumatic, recalling flashbacks of being mobbed at Johannesburg airport after his ban was announced and feeling 'thrown to the wolves'.

> I felt like I was kind of thrown to the wolves through [Johannesburg] airport.
## What reactions in South Africa?
South African fans may dress up as sandpaper to remind of 'Sandpapergate' but Shaun Pollock expects a non-intense response to Australia's return.
## Is more coming?
Cricket Australia remains open to investigating new information, but Bancroft said bowlers needed to be aware the ball was being meddled with.
## Key takeaway

Australia faces Test series in South Africa following 2018 ball-tampering scandal where Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were banned for altering the ball's condition.