Australia are set to return to Test cricket in South Africa for the first time since the notorious Sandpapergate scandal in 2018, a chapter that shook the sport and Australian cricket to its core. Before the Tests, the Aussies are scheduled to play three ODIs from September 24 to 30.
The opening Test will be held from 9 October at Kingsmead in Durban, followed by the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha from 18 October. The third and final Test is scheduled for Newlands in Cape Town from October 27 and will return to the venue where the scandal originally unfolded.
HOW THE SANDPAPER WICKET INFLUENCED AUSTRALIA’S CRICKET
In the 2018 ball tampering incident, Cameron Bancroft was caught trying to tamper with the ball with sandpaper. Captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Bancroft were quickly sanctioned – Smith and Warner with 12-month bans and Bancroft with nine-month bans. After the scandal, Smith stepped down as captain and Tim Paine took over the leadership rolewhile vice-captain Warner also resigned his post.
The fallout spread beyond the players, prompting Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland to issue a public apology and launch a cultural review. The incident eventually led to the resignation of Sutherland and several senior officials. Head coach Darren Lehmann, although removed from direct involvement, also stepped down to allow the team a fresh start.
SMITH SET FOR RETURN TO CAPETOWN
While David Warner has retired, Steve Smith is set to return to Newlands after eight years. Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc, who were part of the Newlands Test in 2018, are also set to return to Cape Town.
Australia will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign in the Men’s T20 World Cup where they failed to qualify for the Super 8s. Losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, combined with a poor match between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele, eventually saw them crash out of the tournament.
Australia tour of South Africa 2026
ODI series
1st ODI: September 24, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
2nd ODI: September 27, Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
3rd ODI: September 30, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom (D/N)
Test series
1st Test: 9-13 October, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
2nd test: 18.-22. October, St George’s Park, Gqeberha
3rd Test: 27-31 October, Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 23, 2026
