Photo via The Times of India

'Our cameras will be sharp': Broadcaster takes a dig at Australia

South African broadcaster SuperSport has reignited memories of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal ahead of Australia’s return for a three-Test series, beginning with a match at Kingsmead in Durban on October 9. The network’s promotional post on X featured a camera emoji alongside the phrase *“Our cameras will be sharp,”* a pointed reference to the incident at Newlands in Cape Town, where SuperSport’s footage exposed Cameron Bancroft altering the ball with a yellow object.

The scandal, dubbed Sandpapergate, led to suspensions for Bancroft and then-captain Steve Smith, while Australia’s then-coach Darren Lehmann was later dismissed. This series marks the first time Australia has faced South Africa in Tests since that controversy, with several key players—including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon—returning to the team after being part of the 2018 squad.

The third Test at Newlands will add further weight, as the venue remains a focal point of the fallout from the scandal. South Africa, reigning World Test Championship winners after defeating Australia in last year’s final, will look to maintain their dominance, while the tourists aim to secure points ahead of the 2025-27 cycle.

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