Smith Still Haunted by 'Sandpapergate' as He Prepares for South Africa Tests
Smith says camera flashes still bring back memories of the 2018 scandal that led to a one-year ban and the loss of his captaincy.
- Former Australian captain Steve Smith revealed he still experiences trauma and flashbacks regarding the 2018 "Sandpapergate" scandal as he prepares to return to South Africa for his first Test series there since the incident.
- During the third Test in Cape Town, a conspiracy to alter the ball with sandpaper led Cricket Australia to ban Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft for their roles in the scandal.
- Smith told News Corp he feels anxious around camera flashes, which trigger memories of the 24-48 hours following his ban, including being mobbed at Johannesburg airport and his tearful Sydney press conference.
- Preparing for the first Test in Durban on October 9 before the series moves to Gqeberha and Cape Town, Smith expressed readiness despite anticipating hostile crowds and ongoing abuse from opposition fans.
- Since serving his 12-month ban, Smith has bounced back emphatically, scoring 10,920 Test runs at an average of 56 and using past abuse from England's Barmy Army as motivation to perform well.
33 Articles
33 Articles
Africa: Smith Still Haunted By 'Sandpapergate' As He Prepares for South Africa Tests
Steve Smith says he is still traumatised by the infamous "Sandpapergate" ball-tampering scandal in 2018, but the former Australia skipper is undaunted about returning to South Africa for his first Test series since.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Steve Smith: I still get flashbacks to trauma of ‘sandpapergate’
Smith is due to take part in Australia’s Test tour of South Africa next month, their first since their 2018 trip that was marred by the ball-tampering episode
Steve Smith speaks on camera anxiety developed after traumatic Sandpaper Gate episode in South Africa - The Tribune
As Australia gears up for the Tests against South Africa away from home starting from October 9 at Durban, Steve, in an interview with CODE Sports, went back to one of the darkest chapters of his cricketing career, the 'Sandpapergate', which put a massive dent in his legacy as a leader and put Australia's 'win at all costs' mentality under a massive scanner.
aninews.in
sydneysun.comSteve Smith speaks on "camera anxiety" developed after traumatic 'Sandpaper Gate' episode in South Africa
As Australia gears up for the Tests against South Africa away from home starting from October 9 at Durban, Steve, in an interview with CODE Sports, went back to one of the darkest chapters of his cricketing career, the 'Sandpapergate', which put a massive dent in his legacy as a leader and put Australia's 'win at all costs' mentality under a massive scanner.
Steve Smith Admits to ‘Sandpapergate’ Flashbacks Ahead of SA vs AUS Test Series 2026 | 🏏 LatestLY
Australian batsman Steve Smith has opened up about the lasting psychological impact of the 2018 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal, revealing he still experiences flashbacks and anxiety. Ahead of his first Test return to South Africa since the infamous incident, Smith, now 37, prepares for a three-match series starting October 9, 2026, in Durban. 🏏 Steve Smith Admits to ‘Sandpapergate’ Flashbacks Ahead of SA vs AUS Test Series 2026.
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