Steve Smith Admits to ‘Sandpapergate’ Flashbacks Ahead of SA vs AUS Test Series 2026

Sydney, Australia – Australian batting stalwart Steve Smith has opened up about the lasting psychological impact of the 2018 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal, revealing that the traumatic experience continues to haunt him eight years later. The former captain's comments come just weeks before the Australian Test squad is set to embark on a three-match series in South Africa, marking Smith's first Test return to the country since the controversy. South Africa vs Australia 2026: Full Schedule, Venues, Match Timings, and Where to Watch.

Speaking to News Corp, Smith, now 37, admitted to experiencing "little flashbacks" of the scandal. He described the immediate aftermath of the incident as a particularly difficult period, highlighting his aversion to cameras. "I'm not a big fan of cameras... I get anxious around cameras, to be honest. That was a traumatic experience in my life, and when I hear the flash of a camera, it makes me revisit that in a way," Smith stated.

The Lingering Impact of 2018

Smith vividly recalled the harrowing 24 to 48 hours following the revelation, including being informed of his year-long ban by then-Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland, and the intense media scrutiny upon his return. "The 24-48 hours of being told by James Sutherland (then-Cricket Australia chief executive) that I was getting banned for a year. That and going through the airport in Johannesburg getting absolutely mobbed, and then flying back and doing that press conference. I still have little flashbacks here and there of it," he elaborated.

The 'Sandpapergate' scandal unfolded during the third Test between Australia and South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town in March 2018. Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera attempting to alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper. A subsequent investigation by Cricket Australia confirmed that captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner were also involved in the plan.

Consequences and Comeback

The fallout was severe. Smith and Warner were each handed 12-month bans from international and domestic cricket and stripped of their leadership roles, while Bancroft received a nine-month suspension. Smith, who was removed as Australia captain, has since made a remarkable return to international cricket, reaffirming his status as one of the world's premier batsmen.

Despite the ongoing psychological scars, Smith expressed readiness for the anticipated hostile reception from South African crowds. He has faced similar crowd reactions during Ashes tours in England since 2018 and uses it as motivation. "It's something I'm kind of used to. I've copped a lot at times away from home at different venues across my career and it's something that I take in my own stride," he noted. "I use it as motivation to try and go out and do well and try and take a positive from it." Australia Squad Announced for South Africa Test Series 2026

Australia's Upcoming Test Series vs. South Africa

The upcoming Test series marks a significant moment for Smith, providing both a professional challenge and a personal test of resilience as he steps back onto South African soil for Test cricket eight years after the scandal that reshaped his career.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2026 04:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).