Australia return for Tests in South Africa, 8 years after Sandpapergate - AUS vs SA 2026

Australia will take a tour of South Africa for an ODI and Test series later this year marking their return to South African soil since the famous Sandpapergate scandal. The men from down under will take their first trip to the Rainbow Nation since 2018. This move has been seen as an historic moment in the history of the game given the type of chaos that had emerged because of the scandal back in the day.

The incident dates back to March 2018 where former Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft was caught by the television camera while tampering with the ball. It was during the third test match between the two nations in Newlands, Cape Town when the incident came to light. The then captain Steve Smith and vice captain David Warner were also involved in the scandal and were handed 12 months suspensions.

Both Smith and Warner were removed from their respective leadership roles. It did not just stop there, Australia’s then head coach Darren Lehmann along with CEO James Sutherland and several senior officials were forced to step down from their positions. The Sandpapergate scandal received a lot of criticism from fans, pundits and former players across the globe and the people involved were penalised.

A new chapter begins

Australia’s return to South Africa for a tour is being seen as a fresh start between the two nations. This will be the first time Steve Smith will return to Newlands since that incident and will be accompanied by the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc who were also a part of Australia’s set up in 2018. Australia will tour South Africa for a three match ODI series and a three match test series starting late September.

AUS vs SA ODI Match Schedule 2026