South Africa host Australia who battle more than ‘Sandpapergate’ memories

What the report says

South Africa are set to host Australia in the opening Test of a three-match series in Durban on Friday, marking Australia’s first Test visit to South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Al Jazeera, citing Reuters and other published material, says the match will revive memories of “Sandpapergate,” though the article suggests the issue is likely to draw only limited on-field hostility compared with the intense attention the scandal received in Australia.

The report says South Africa arrive as world Test champions after their 2025 WTC final win over Australia at Lord’s, and that the home side want to strengthen their position in the current World Test Championship cycle. The Kingsmead pitch is expected to assist spin, which could shape team selection. South Africa may rest Kagiso Rabada as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury, while the batting order at number three is still unsettled.

Australia, meanwhile, are trying to rebound from an unexpected home Test loss to Bangladesh in August. Injuries to Cameron Green and Josh Inglis have created selection openings, including a possible return for Nic Maddinson after nearly a decade out of Test cricket. The article also notes that Steve Smith remains affected by the 2018 scandal, which led to bans for him, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, and reshaped Australian cricket’s leadership and public image.