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Steve Smith Recalls 2018 Ball-Tampering Scandal Ahead Of Australia’s South Africa Return
By CricShots - Sep 17, 2026 1:49 pm
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Steve Smith has opened up about the emotional scars left by the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, recalling the sense of isolation he experienced after the controversy and describing his return to Australia as one of the most traumatic moments of his career. The former Australia captain is now preparing to return to South Africa for Test cricket for the first time since the incident at Newlands in Cape Town. Eight years after the scandal, Smith is set to face the same opposition again as Australia prepare for a multi-format tour.

Steve Smith
Steve Smith 

“I felt like I was kind of thrown to the wolves through (Johannesburg) airport. I didn’t have any support there at all,”Steve  Smith told the Sydney Daily Telegraph. He also recalled the press conference held after his return to Australia, saying the experience continues to affect him. “(The press conference) was a traumatic experience in my life and I still get little flashbacks, when I hear a camera and flashes, I relive it in a way … They’re intertwined in a way,” Smith said.

The controversy erupted during the third Test between Australia and South Africa at Newlands in March 2018. Television footage showed Australian batter Cameron Bancroft using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball before attempting to hide the object in his trousers.

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Steve Smith subsequently admitted that he had been aware of the plan but failed to stop it. Cricket Australia later handed Smith and David Warner 12-month bans, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months. Smith was also removed from the Australia captaincy, with all three players sent home from the South Africa tour.

Upon arriving back in Sydney, Smith delivered an emotional press conference and apologized for his involvement in the controversy. Images of the tearful former captain became closely associated with the episode and have remained part of the public memory of the scandal.

 

Smith has previously said he considered the punishment harsh, while accepting the sanctions imposed on him. He also acknowledged that the enforced break gave him an opportunity to step away from the pressures of international cricket.

The right-hander eventually returned to Australia’s squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup before making his Test comeback during the Ashes later that year. He announced his return to Test cricket in spectacular fashion, scoring centuries in both innings of the first Test against England at Edgbaston.

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Smith will now face South Africa again, with Australia scheduled to play three ODIs followed by three Tests. The Test series is scheduled to begin in Durban on October 9, with the third Test set to be played in Cape Town from October 27.

Tags Australia vs South AfricaBall-tampering scandalCape Town TestrecallSouth AfricaSteve Smith