South African broadcaster SuperSport has sparked conversations online after sharing a promotional post ahead of the upcoming three-match Test series between South Africa and Australia. The post, published on X, featured a camera emoji and promised that its cameras would be sharp throughout the series, an apparent reference to the infamous 2018 Sandpapergate scandal.
The incident remains one of the most controversial episodes in modern Test cricket. During the third Test between South Africa and Australia at Newlands in March 2018, television cameras captured Australian batter Cameron Bancroft tampering with the ball using a small yellow object during South Africa’s second innings.
SuperSport’s broadcast team reportedly had more than 30 cameras covering the match, including 18 operated by camera personnel. After umpires raised concerns about Australia’s handling of the ball, the broadcast crew was asked to report any suspicious activity they noticed.
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Once the footage of Bancroft was reviewed in the broadcast truck, the incident was brought to the attention of the team management. Coach Darren Lehmann subsequently relayed a message to 12th man Peter Handscomb, after which Bancroft attempted to conceal the object. The controversy led to suspensions for Bancroft, then-captain Steve Smith and David Warner, leaving a lasting mark on Australian cricket.
Our cameras will be sharp for this 3-match Test series 🎥
📺 SA v Aus | 1st Test | 9 October | 9:30 CAT
#SAvAUS #SSCricket https://t.co/BrUBZZWwUF
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 7, 2026
The upcoming series will bring the teams back to Newlands for the third Test on October 27, marking Australia’s first appearance at the venue since the scandal. Several players from the 2018 touring squad remain part of the current setup, including Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. Matthew Renshaw, who joined Australia as a replacement during that tour, is also back in the setup.
Smith, who captained Australia during the scandal, now serves as vice-captain under Pat Cummins. Warner has retired from international cricket, while Bancroft has not played a Test for more than six years.
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The three-match Test series begins at Kingsmead in Durban on October 9, followed by the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on October 18. The final match will be played at Newlands in Cape Town from October 27.
South Africa enter the series as reigning World Test Championship champions after defeating Australia in the previous final at Lord’s. Australia, meanwhile, will be looking to collect crucial points in the 2025-27 WTC cycle. Although SuperSport’s promotional message was playful, its reference to Sandpapergate has revived memories of a scandal that continues to shape the rivalry between the two cricketing nations.
