The 2018 Australian cricket scandal, infamously dubbed ‘sandpapergate’, remains one of the most contentious episodes in the sport’s history. The incident unfolded during a Test match against South Africa when Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition. The fallout was swift and severe: Bancroft, along with then-captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner, faced significant repercussions. Smith and Warner received 12-month bans from international and domestic cricket, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months. Warner was identified as the mastermind behind the scheme, having instructed Bancroft on how to tamper with the ball. Smith, aware of the plan but failing to intervene, also bore the brunt of the punishment. The scandal led to a complete overhaul of Australia’s cricket leadership, with coach Darren Lehmann stepping down at the end of the series, though he was cleared of any direct involvement. Despite the bans, both Smith and Warner eventually reclaimed their spots in the national team. Smith even ascended to the role of vice-captain under Pat Cummins and recently led Australia to victory in the first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series. Bancroft, however, has not played international cricket since his brief return in 2019. The scandal’s shadow lingers, with Cricket Australia reopening an investigation in 2021 after Bancroft hinted that some bowlers were aware of the tampering. The incident continues to be a point of contention, particularly in the Ashes series, where England fans have taunted Smith and Warner with chants referencing the scandal. Former England spinner Monty Panesar recently suggested that England should make Smith feel ‘guilty’ about the incident, prompting a sharp retort from Smith. Lehmann has also weighed in, criticizing the persistent abuse directed at Smith by England fans. ‘Sandpapergate’ remains a stark reminder of the pressures and pitfalls of professional cricket, a story that continues to resonate years after the fact.