Steve Smith discusses lingering effects of Sandpapergate ahead of SA tour
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 3:58 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Steve Smith has shared insights into the lasting emotional impact of the Sandpapergate scandal from 2018, revealing that memories of the incident still trigger his anxiety, particularly around cameras. As he prepares for Australia’s upcoming Test series in South Africa starting October 9, Smith reflects on the traumatic moments he faced during that controversial tour, including a challenging airport experience and an emotional press conference. These experiences, which he describes as some of the toughest of his career, have not faded over time. Despite these challenges, Smith has successfully continued his career in international cricket since his return from suspension.
- •Steve Smith returns to South Africa for Test cricket on October 9.
- •He describes the Sandpapergate experience as traumatic and still feels anxious around cameras.
- •Memories of being mobbed at Johannesburg airport still trouble him.
- •Smith faced a 12-month ban from Cricket Australia as a result of the scandal.
- •Australia will play a three-match Test series in South Africa this October.
- 3:58 PMYahoo Sports — 'I still have flashbacks': Steve Smith recalls 2018 Sandpapergate ahead of South Africa tour
- 9:45 AMYahoo Sports — Traumatised Smith says he was 'thrown to wolves' over 'sandpapergate'
- 9:31 AMBBC Sport — Traumatised Smith says he was 'thrown to wolves' over 'sandpapergate'
- 7:29 AMYahoo Sports — ‘That was a traumatic experience’: Steve Smith reveals how aftermath of Sandpapergate on last SA tour still triggers his anxiety
"Steve 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. David Warner was also banned for a year and removed from leadership roles, while Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month suspension.
"Steve Smith has opened up on the lasting impact of Sandpapergate, revealing how memories of the 2018 South Africa tour still trigger his anxiety.
"Australia batter Steve Smith says he is still traumatised by the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 and still gets flashbacks.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 3:58 PM'I still have flashbacks': Steve Smith recalls 2018 Sandpapergate ahead of South Africa tour
Steve 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. David Warner was also banned for a year and removed from leadership roles, while Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month suspension.
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 9:45 AMTraumatised Smith says he was 'thrown to wolves' over 'sandpapergate'
Australia batter Steve Smith says he is still traumatised by the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 and still gets flashbacks.
- BBC SportSep 17, 2026, 9:31 AMTraumatised Smith says he was 'thrown to wolves' over 'sandpapergate'
Australia batter Steve Smith says he is still traumatised by the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 and still gets flashbacks.
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 7:29 AM‘That was a traumatic experience’: Steve Smith reveals how aftermath of Sandpapergate on last SA tour still triggers his anxiety
Steve Smith has opened up on the lasting impact of Sandpapergate, revealing how memories of the 2018 South Africa tour still trigger his anxiety.
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