The rivalry between South Africa and Australia has produced several memorable moments over the years, both on and off the cricket field. However, some incidents from the past continue to follow teams long after the action has ended. During the ongoing third Test at Newlands in Cape Town, a South African spectator revived one of Australian cricket’s most controversial episodes by offering sandpaper to spinner Nathan Lyon while he was fielding near the boundary.
Fan offers sandpaper to Nathan Lyon
The incident occurred when Lyon was stationed near the boundary during the third Test between South Africa and Australia. A spectator approached the boundary area and offered the Australian spinner a piece of sandpaper, making an unmistakable reference to the controversy that has remained part of the rivalry between the two sides.
Instead of reacting angrily or showing visible frustration, Lyon embraced the humour behind the gesture. The off-spinner smiled at the spectator and jokingly gestured for him to come onto the playing area and hand over the sandpaper.
His playful response drew laughter and applause from the surrounding spectators, with sarcastic cheers adding to the atmosphere.
Here’s the video:
South African crowd offering sandpaper to Nathan Lyon in the Cape Town test 🤣
Imagine the hostility Steven Smith would’ve faced if he didn’t chicken out from this test 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/jw0G1T0l4k
— Troll Cricket (@TL_cricket) October 28, 2026
Sandpapergate continues to haunt Australia at Newlands
The spectator’s gesture referred to the ball-tampering scandal that unfolded during Australia’s 2018 Test tour of South Africa. During the third Test at Newlands, Cameron Bancroft was caught attempting to alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper.
The controversy led to significant consequences for Australian cricket. Steve Smith, David Warner and Bancroft received suspensions following the investigation, while the incident triggered widespread criticism and prompted the team to reassess its culture and conduct.
The current series marks Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since that episode, making the return to Newlands particularly significant. Local supporters have clearly not forgotten what happened eight years ago. The banter has extended beyond the stadium, with reports of shops displaying tongue-in-cheek notices restricting customers to purchasing one roll or pack of sandpaper per day during the Test series.
Also WATCH: Marco Jansen dismisses Cameron Green with a beauty on Day 2 of Cape Town Test – SA vs AUS
Australia take control on Day 2 of third Test
Away from the crowd’s antics, Australia finished Day 2 in a commanding position. The visitors reached 330/4 at stumps, moving one run ahead of South Africa’s first-innings total of 329. Simon Harmer briefly shifted the momentum in the hosts’ favour by dismissing Travis Head for 41 and Marnus Labuschagne for a duck in the same over. Marco Jansen then struck twice, removing Matt Renshaw for 74 and Cameron Green for 65.
However, Australia recovered through an unbeaten partnership between Josh Inglis and Alex Carey. Inglis remained unbeaten on 85, while Carey contributed 51 not out as the pair added 145 runs to frustrate the South African attack.
Also READ: 3 reasons why Marnus Labuschagne should be dropped from Australia’s Test team
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