Faf Du Plessis Recalls 2018 Ball-Tampering Alert
The former South African captain details how his team prompted broadcasters to expose Australia in 2018.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Financial Crime
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In October 2026, Faf Du Plessis revealed that the South African cricket team specifically alerted broadcasters to monitor the Australian team during the 2018 Test series. This move eventually led to the discovery of Cameron Bancroft using sandpaper to tamper with the ball at Newlands.
Why it matters
The team suspected Australian bowlers were illegally altering the ball to achieve reverse swing and sought to confirm these tactical methods through video evidence. This incident resulted in historic bans for key players Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft.
Faf Du Plessis faced prior ball-tampering disciplinary actions, including a 2013 fine of 50 percent of his match fee and a 2016 citation involving a mint lolly. These historical sanctions underscore the ongoing regulatory scrutiny regarding ball-handling practices.
The players
Faf Du Plessis
He is the former captain of the South African cricket team who previously faced multiple disciplinary actions for ball-tampering.
Cameron Bancroft
He is an Australian cricketer who was caught using sandpaper to illegally alter the ball during the 2018 Test match at Newlands.
Steve Smith
He is an Australian cricketer who received a ban following his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
David Warner
He is an Australian cricketer who was issued a ban for his role in the 2018 ball-tampering incident.
The details
South African players observed the ball being consistently returned to the same player at mid-off, prompting them to request that broadcaster Super Sport monitor the specific ball-handling actions during the second Test. Following these observations, the subsequent investigation at Newlands confirmed the use of sandpaper to manipulate the ball's condition.
Timeline
Faf Du Plessis was cited for ball-tampering in 2013.
Faf Du Plessis was cited for using a mint lolly in 2016.
The Sandpapergate ball-tampering incident occurred in 2018.
Faf Du Plessis discussed the 2018 events in October 2026.
Legal Context
The incident remains a landmark case in cricket regulation, following the 2018 Sandpapergate ball-tampering incident. This retrospective account highlights how proactive monitoring by opposing teams has become a significant factor in professional sports integrity investigations.
The revelations demonstrate how television and broadcast surveillance have become central tools in maintaining competitive fairness in high-stakes professional athletics. Fans and observers can expect continued reliance on such technology to ensure match integrity and enforce league rules.
The takeaway
This case illustrates that the enforcement of rules in professional sports often relies as much on the vigilance of opposing players as it does on official officiating. Monitoring techniques employed by teams now play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of disciplinary investigations.
Further reading
For more on international regulatory investigations, see our Financial Crime coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 7NEWS.
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