Australia return to South Africa Tests under shadow of 2018 scandal

Australia will return to Test cricket in South Africa for the first time since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal when the teams begin a three-match series in Durban on Friday.

The contest at Kingsmead brings together South Africa, the current World Test Championship holders, and an Australian side seeking a response after a surprise home Test defeat by Bangladesh in August. South Africa beat Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s last year and are focused on strengthening their prospects of reaching the final again at the end of the 2025–27 cycle.

Conditions and selection decisions

The Kingsmead surface could make spin a significant factor. Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj were highly effective in South Africa’s last two Test victories in India in November, and the pitch in Durban may provide the pair with an important role.

South Africa could also make changes to their lineup. Kagiso Rabada may be rested as he continues his return from a hamstring injury, although no decision has been confirmed. Coach Shukri Conrad is considering several options for the number-three batting position, including a possible first Test cap for 30-year-old Marques Ackerman.

Australia’s selection has also been affected by injuries. Josh Inglis fractured a finger, while Cameron Green suffered a stomach injury. Green’s absence has created a possible opening at number five for Cooper Connolly or Nic Maddinson, who could return to Test cricket after nearly 10 years away.

Maddinson’s possible selection has drawn criticism from former Australia batter Matthew Hayden. Hayden said batsmen should have a first-class average of at least 45 before being considered for Test selection; Maddinson’s reported first-class average is 37.11.

Travis Head defended the inclusion of experienced players, saying, “We need mature guys that know what they need to be doing.” He also criticized former Test players who, in his view, had unfairly attacked members of the current team.

Smith recalls lasting impact

The series will be Australia’s first Test assignment in South Africa since the incident in Cape Town in March 2018, when Australian players used sandpaper to roughen the ball in an effort to aid reverse swing. The action was caught on camera.

Steve Smith was sent home, removed as captain and banned for one year. David Warner received a 12-month suspension and was stripped of leadership roles, while Cameron Bancroft was banned for nine months. Smith later returned to cricket and scored a century against England, but he has not played a Test in South Africa since the scandal.

Smith has spoken about the episode’s continuing psychological effect. “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,” he said. He added that he still has “little flashbacks here and there” of the period.

Smith also recalled being told by then Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland that he would be banned, travelling through Johannesburg after the incident and facing a press conference on his return. He said he had tried to block much of the 2018 series from his memory.

South Africa have played Test matches in Australia since the scandal, while Australia have returned to South Africa for limited-overs internationals. Smith has also been back for a white-ball series, but not for a Test.

Competitive pressure

South Africa recently defeated Australia in a One-Day International series, with spin playing an important part in that contest. The hosts will now look to carry their momentum into the longer format as they pursue another World Test Championship final appearance.

Australia, meanwhile, are preparing for a demanding period that includes an Ashes tour in England beginning next June. Smith expects hostile crowds in South Africa but said he could use that treatment as motivation.

“I use it as motivation to try and go out and do well and try and take a positive from it,” Smith said.