Steve Smith (Image credit: Agencies)
NEW DELHI: Steve Smith admitted that memories of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal still return to him at times, but the Australia batter is not worried about facing a hostile reception when he returns to South Africa for a Test series. Smith was one of the central figures in the controversy during Australia’s Test against South Africa in Cape Town in March 2018. He was sent home, suspended for 12 months and removed as Australia captain after admitting his involvement in a plan to change the condition of the ball using sandpaper. Almost eight years later, Smith is set to return to South Africa with Australia for a three-Test series, starting in Durban on October 9. The 37-year-old said the events surrounding his suspension are still difficult to completely forget. “The 24-48 hours of being told by James Sutherland that I was getting banned for a year. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Date Match Venue Match start (IST) Local time September 24, 2026 1st ODI Kingsmead, Durban 1:30 PM 10:00 AM September 27, 2026 2nd ODI The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg 1:30 PM 10:00 AM September 30, 2026 3rd ODI Senwes Park, Potchefstroom 5:00 PM 1:30 PM October 9, 2026 1st Test Kingsmead, Durban 1:00 PM 9:30 AM October 18, 2026 2nd Test St George’s Park, Gqeberha 1:30 PM 10:00 AM October 27, 2026 3rd Test Newlands, Cape Town 1:30 PM 10:00 AM Smith said the initial days after the scandal were particularly difficult. Australia’s upcoming series will be the team’s first Test assignment in South Africa since the 2018 series.
That was a traumatic experience in my life, and when I hear the flash of a camera, it makes me revisit that in a way,” Smith told News Corp in an interview. He also said the experience taught him important lessons and helped him move forward. That’s somewhere I’d like not to get to again, but I certainly learned from that and have been able to move forward with my life,” he said.
David Warner was also banned for a year and removed from leadership roles, while Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month suspension. He particularly remembers the intense media attention he faced after leaving South Africa. “I’m not a big fan of cameras…I get anxious around cameras, to be honest. That and going through the airport in Johannesburg getting absolutely mobbed, and then flying back and doing that press conference. I still have little flashbacks here and there of it,” he added. “It was certainly a difficult period, particularly the initial period a few days after. The mental state I was in was not great. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
The two teams last met in a Test match in last year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s.