Feb 24 • 01:40 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Australia confirms first Tests in South Africa since ball tampering

Australia has announced its schedule for a three-Test cricket series in South Africa, marking the first since the infamous ball tampering scandal in 2018.

Australia's cricket team will participate in a three-Test series in South Africa, with matches set to take place in Durban and Gqeberha, culminating in a final match at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. This series is notable as it is the first since the controversial ball tampering incident that occurred during the third Test in Cape Town in 2018, which garnered significant media attention and resulted in severe consequences for several Australian players.

During the 2018 series, Australia suffered a humiliating defeat, losing by 322 runs, but the match was overshadowed by the revelation of the ball tampering scandal involving Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft. Following the scandal, Smith and Warner received 12-month bans from international and domestic cricket in Australia, while Bancroft was banned for nine months. These events triggered a major reconsideration of player conduct and the regulations governing cricket practices, leading to broader discussions about sportsmanship in the sport.

As Australia gears up for this long-awaited rematch, fans are keen to witness how the team's dynamic has evolved, particularly with Smith's anticipated return to the squad in October. This series, which also includes a three-match ODI series in September, represents a significant opportunity for redemption and a way to address their previous controversies while continuing to foster competitive cricket relations with South Africa.

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