Australia to Tour South Africa in 2026, First Return to Newlands Since Sandpaper Scandal

The upcoming South African tour for the Australian team will reactivate memories that have never completely disappeared. The team will make its first Test field appearance at Newlands later this year because the 2018 ball-tampering incident created lasting injuries for Australian cricket.

The tour begins with white-ball matches which include three ODIs that will take place from September 24 until September 30. The attention will then turn to the Test series. The opening match will occur at Kingsmead in Durban starting from October 9 while the second match will take place at St George’s Park in Gqeberha beginning on October 18. The third Test will begin on October 27 at Cape Town, which holds historical significance because its events from eight years ago changed player development and team control.

What happened in 2018?

In 2018, Cameron Bancroft attempted to change the ball’s condition by using sandpaper to execute the act. The fallout was immediate. Captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner received 12-month suspensions, while Bancroft received a nine-month suspension. Smith left his captain position and Tim Paine took over, while Warner also stepped down from his captain duties.

The consequences affected more than just the players. James Sutherland, who served as Cricket Australia chief executive, made a public apology while he ordered a cultural assessment to be conducted. Sutherland and other senior officials eventually left their positions with the organization. Darren Lehmann, who served as head coach, left his position even though he had been cleared of any direct involvement because the team needed to start over.