A return to the 'Sandpapergate' scandal: Australia to tour South Africa for 3 tests

Eight years after the Sandpapergate scandal sent shockwaves through world cricket, Australia will set foot on South African soil for a three-Test series, their first in the republic since the controversy erupted. The tour, scheduled for September and October, will also feature three One-Day Internationals leading into the red-ball contests, Cricket Australia confirmed.

The upcoming visit marks Australia’s first Test campaign in South Africa since the 2017-18 series that was overshadowed by the ball-tampering affair in Cape Town. That incident, now widely referenced as Sandpapergate, led to lengthy bans for three Australian players and a sweeping review of team culture. With the next chapter of the rivalry looming, attention will again focus on the on-field action and the broader narrative of redemption that has framed subsequent encounters between the two sides.

Australia, fresh from their recent assignments, will use the limited-overs fixtures as a primer for the Tests, giving both management and fans an early gauge of form and combinations. While exact venues and dates have yet to be released, officials from both boards have expressed optimism that the tour will proceed without disruption and rekindle one of cricket’s most fiercely contested matchups.

South Africa, eager to reassert home dominance, views the series as an opportunity to climb the World Test Championship standings, while Australia will aim to consolidate their position at the top. The contests are expected to be played in early-spring conditions, potentially offering seaming wickets and a stern examination of batting technique.

Cricket South Africa and Cricket Australia have committed to working closely on biosecurity protocols, mindful of the lingering effects of the global pandemic that forced the cancellation of the previous Australian tour to the region in 2021-22. Ticket sales, broadcast arrangements, and community engagement initiatives will be announced in the coming months, with both nations hoping for capacity crowds after recent restrictions.

As anticipation builds, players and coaches on both sides have spoken of respect for the history between the teams and a determination to let performances with bat and ball shape the storyline this time around. With the Sandpapergate memories still vivid, the 2025 showdown offers a chance for a new narrative to emerge.