The ball‑tampering scandal sent shockwaves through world cricket, hitting Australia hardest.
For the first time since Sandpapergate, which saw Smith, Warner and Bancroft banned, Australia is set for a Test series in South Africa.
What was ‘Sandpapergate’?
The term Sandpapergate refers to the March 2018 incident on Australia’s tour, when Bancroft was filmed roughening the ball with sandpaper to increase swing.
The episode unfolded on day three of the third Test in Cape Town, as South Africa batted their second innings; Bancroft tried to conceal the sandpaper, initially calling it tape, in his trousers after being spotted.
At day’s end, Bancroft and captain Smith admitted to tampering, though Smith only mentioned a plan devised by the ‘leadership group’ over lunch.
What happened next?
Smith and vice‑captain Warner stepped down from leadership for the remainder of the Cape Town Test, yet still played; Tim Paine captained a side that collapsed to a 322‑run loss, bowled out for 107 in the second innings, with Warner 32, Bancroft 26 and Smith seven.
Both were sent home before the fourth Test, where Australia suffered a 492‑run defeat and lost the series 3‑1; bans ranged from nine months to a year.
Cricket Australia concluded each had breached the spirit of the game and harmed its interests.
What were the exact punishments?
Warner was judged the mastermind, directing Bancroft on sandpaper use.
He received a one‑year ban and was barred from future leadership roles.
Smith, later replaced permanently by Paine, was suspended for 12 months for failing to stop the plot and for misleading statements.
He was also told he could not assume a leadership position for at least a year after his ban ends.
Bancroft’s suspension lasted nine months.
What else did the players lose?
The trio missed the 2018 IPL—Smith and Warner were set to lead Rajasthan Royals and SunRisers Hyderabad—while Bancroft’s Somerset contract was cancelled.
Coach Darren Lehmann also felt the fallout.
Now coaching Northamptonshire’s Steelbacks to a 2026 T20 Blast title, Lehmann was cleared of involvement but resigned after the final Test.
Deprived of Smith, Warner and Bancroft, Australia later lost away series to Pakistan and a home series to India, before a 2‑0 win in Sri Lanka and a 2‑2 Ashes draw in England 2019. In my view, the loss of leadership exposed Australia’s fragility.
Were the ball‑tampering bans too harsh?
Some, including former India stars Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh and broadcaster Mark Nicholas, argued the punishments were excessive—a view echoed by the late Shane Warne.
Warne said the scandal was embarrassing for Australia, but worldwide hysteria produced a penalty that didn’t fit the crime.
Smith and Bancroft gave emotional press conferences on returning home; Bancroft later admitted he thought about quitting cricket to become a yoga teacher.
All three returned to the national side—Smith still plays—yet Bancroft’s international career never fully recovered, his last Tests coming in the 2019 Ashes.
Warner, who retired internationally in 2024, sought to lift his lifetime captaincy ban but withdrew the request in 2022.
The ban was eventually lifted, allowing him to captain Sydney Thunder in the BBL.
How does Smith reflect on ‘Sandpapergate’?
Speaking to News Corp, Smith recalled: “It was a traumatic experience; the flash of a camera still haunts me.”
“In the 24‑48 hours after the ban was announced, I was mobbed at Johannesburg airport and then forced into a press conference; the memories still flicker.”
“I felt thrown to the wolves at the airport, with no support whatsoever.”
“Those first few days were brutal; my mental state was far from healthy.”
“I hope never to revisit that darkness, but I learned and moved forward.”
“I’ve tried to erase 2018, to block most of it from my memory bank.”
What reactions can Australia expect in South Africa?
Australia has visited South Africa since Sandpapergate, but only for limited‑overs cricket; a proposed 2021 Test tour was cancelled due to Covid‑19.
England fans once mocked Australia after the scandal, even dressing as sandpaper, and South African crowds may respond similarly.
“There have been re‑runs of the 2018 series here, stoking some animosity, but South Africans don’t need a special reason to challenge Australia.”
“A few fans may show up in Sandpapergate costumes, but it won’t be over the top.”
Finally, is there any more to come out over ‘Sandpapergate’?
Only time will tell.
While Cricket Australia named only Warner, Smith and Bancroft as conspirators, Bancroft said in 2021 that it was obvious other bowlers knew the ball was being tampered with.
Cricket Australia said it remains open to probing any new evidence.
The episode is something Australia would love to forget, yet it will likely linger forever.