Cricket

Was there ever any doubt?

Gleefully stoked by South African sports broadcaster SuperSport, local Proteas fans are being whipped into a ‘Sandpaper Gate’ frenzy ahead of the First Test between South Africa and Australian which starts tonight at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

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When play begins the Aussies can expect a torrid welcome with former captain Steve Smith set to cop the brunt of the crowd abuse after the infamous ball-tampering scandal of 2018 in Capetown.

The scandal cost Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft their places on that tour and months out of cricket.

MORE: Where to watch First Test South Africa vs. Australia: Live stream, TV channel

Smith is the only one of the three players returning to South Africa for the series, while captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon also played in the Newlands Test back in 2018.

Here’s just a small taste of what the Aussies can expect, taken from the official SuperSport X and Facebook accounts ahead of the First Test…

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Our cameras will be sharp for this 3-match Test series 🎥 📺 SA v Aus | 1st Test | 9 October | 9:30 CAT #SAvAUS #SSCricket https://t.co/BrUBZZWwUF

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 7, 2026

“Ultra HD … never leave the ball. These cheats will definitely have a new plan.”

“Keep 24 hours surveillance on greatest cheater Smith.”

“SuperSport must and will milk this moment for the next 50 years.”

“I wonder who the Aussie ‘leadership’ will get to do their dirty work this time?”

“This stuff is going to be brought up so many times you might as well sponsor the series by Bunnings.”

“Check their pockets on all of their pants and backup clothes. Don’t forget the wicketkeeper’s gloves. All pair. Never trust kangaroos.”

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“Every member of that Australia team and coaching staff 100% in on the plan.”

“When the pitch isn’t rough enough, Australia brings its own.”