Steve Smith recalls the events of Australia’s 2018 “Sandpapergate” in Cape Town, where he says he still has flashbacks. The controversy centers on a plan to alter the condition of the cricket ball using sandpaper during Australia’s Test against South Africa in March 2018.
Smith is among the central figures who faced punishment after admitting involvement in the scheme. He is described as being sent home, handed a 12-month suspension, and removed as Australia captain. David Warner receives parallel sanctions in the reports, including a one-year ban and removal from leadership roles.
Cameron Bancroft is also named as part of the same incident and is reported to have received a nine-month suspension. Across the sources, the accounts align on the timeline, the ball-alteration allegation, Smith’s role, and the disciplinary outcomes. The coverage focuses on Smith’s retrospective comments as he looks ahead to a South Africa tour.
