The Australian ball-tampering scandal, also known as “Sandpapergate,” occurred in March 2018 during Australia’s tour of South Africa. During the third Test match in 2018 at Newlands, Cape Town, Australian player Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera using yellow sandpaper to rough up one side of the ball. Initially, Bancroft and then-captain Steve Smith claimed in a press conference that they had used adhesive tape with dirt stuck to it, but this was later revealed to be false.

The Plan

1. The scheme was devised during the lunch break
2. David Warner was identified as the instigator who instructed Bancroft on how to tamper with the ball
3. Steve Smith knew about the plan but failed to prevent it
4. Bancroft used sandpaper to rough up the ball to achieve reverse swing

The Immediate Aftermath

1. Smith and Warner were stripped of their leadership positions mid-Test
2. Tim Paine was appointed as emergency captain
3. The trio left the tour immediately

The Penalties

1. Steve Smith: 12-month ban from all international and domestic cricket, banned from captaincy for 2 years
2. David Warner: 12-month ban, lifetime ban from leadership positions
3. Cameron Bancroft: 9-month ban from international and domestic cricket
4. All three players were required to complete 100 hours of community service

Cultural Impact

1. Led to the resignation of coach Darren Lehmann
2. Triggered a comprehensive review of Australian cricket culture
3. Cricket Australia commissioned the “Culture Review” led by Dr. Simon Longstaff
4. The incident severely damaged Australian cricket’s reputation
5. “Elite Honesty” became a much-discussed term after it appeared on the team dressing room wall

The Return

1. All three players returned to cricket after serving their bans
2. Smith and Warner were reintegrated into the national team
3. Smith later regained eligibility for leadership positions
4. Warner’s leadership ban was eventually lifted in 2022 after a review of Cricket Australia’s code of conduct

The scandal is considered one of cricket’s most significant controversies and led to major changes in how Australian cricket approached leadership, team culture, and integrity in the sport.