On This Day in 2018: Australia ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering controversy erupts

The notorious ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering controversy erupted on this day five years ago after Australian Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera cheating.
The opening batter was fielding during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town when he was filmed rubbing the ball with unusual pressure and then hiding a yellow object down his trousers.
There was no doubt he was attempting to alter the surface of the ball and the furore it sparked was immediate and enormous, extending well beyond cricket with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull leading the condemnations.

Bancroft was charged at the end of the day’s play by the match referee but it soon became apparent he had not been acting alone.
Captain Steve Smith admitted to a ball-tampering plot and he, along with vice-captain David Warner and Bancroft, was sent home in disgrace as Cricket Australia launched a swift investigation.
All three players gave tearful press conferences when it emerged the object they were using to rough up the ball was sandpaper and not a piece of tape coated in dust from the pitch, as originally claimed.
The affair was front page news in Australia with Turnbull saying the players’ conduct was “a shocking disappointment” and a “terrible disgrace”.

CA, who also viewed the matter as a source of national shame, banned all three players for 12 months and barred Smith and Bancroft from holding leadership positions for at least two years.
Warner, identified as the ringleader, was told he would never be considered for a leadership role again.
Smith and Warner were successfully reintegrated into the side after their suspensions ended but Bancroft has not been selected since returning for two Tests in 2019.
Latest
-
England
On this day in 2019: Bob Willis dies at age of 70
The former pace bowler was one of England’s greatest players and a very popular broadcaster.
-
England
Jos Buttler admits concerns over poor run of form after West Indies beat England
Buttler was out for three off 13 balls against the West Indies in Antigua.
-
West Indies
England suffer four-wicket defeat to West Indies in opening ODI in Antigua
Jos Buttler made his fifth single-figure score in eight ODIs, dismissed for three off 13 balls.
-
England
Harry Brook helps England set West Indies 326 as Jos Buttler struggles continue
Brook top-scored with 71 while captain Buttler fell for three in the opening ODI in in Antigua.
.
-
Australia
Mitchell Johnson: Does David Warner deserve to sign off from Tests on own terms?
Warner expressed his wish to retire from Tests at the end of their series against Pakistan in Sydney next month.
-
News
New faces but no complete reset – talking points as England take on West Indies
Six members of the World Cup squad will be in action again in the Caribbean.
-
England
Will Jacks looks at positives after England central contract snub
The big-hitting all-rounder found out he did not have a deal through social media.
-
England
Jos Buttler motivated by poor World Cup to drive England forward
Buttler did not make a single fifty and averaged just 15.33 in nine group-stage matches in India.
-
Pakistan
Pakistan appoint Salman Butt to first official role since spot-fixing conviction
In 2011, Butt was jailed for 30 months for his part in a conspiracy to bowl deliberate no-balls during the Test against England at Lord’s.
-
England
Five bad weeks do not define a team – England’s Ben Duckett
Duckett has cast doubt on England overhauling their white-ball approach.