Cummins plays down Sandpapergate ahead of Newlands series decider
Australia captain Pat Cummins says the 2018 ball-tampering scandal has barely come up as his team prepare for the Proteas in Cape Town.
Australia head into Tuesday’s series-deciding third Test against the Proteas at Newlands, the ground where their ball-tampering scandal unfolded in 2018. Captain Pat Cummins says the episode is not on the team’s minds, according to IOL.
It will be Australia’s first Test back at the Cape Town venue since that match, when then opener Cameron Bancroft was caught trying to hide sandpaper in his clothing to cover up the tampering. Bancroft received a nine-month ban. Steve Smith and David Warner were each suspended for 12 months. Smith was also barred from any leadership role for a further 24 months, while Warner was banned for life from leadership positions in Australian cricket.
Few reminders of 2018
Five members of that Newlands side are still around: Smith, Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Cummins said the subject had hardly come up during the week. “Honestly, not really,” he said when asked whether the group had spoken about it. He said his memories of touring South Africa are mostly of his first visit, not the events of 2018.
That earlier trip included his T20 debut at Newlands. It also included his first Test squad experience, when he carried drinks as Australia were bowled out for 47. Cummins called it “a wild introduction”. He added that, despite some reasons not to enjoy the venue, it is still “an amazing cricket ground”.
Smith and Green update
Smith has been a doubt for the match because of a neck sprain that affected his batting in the previous Test at St George’s Park. Cummins expects him to be in the side and said he has looked in control at the crease. He described Smith as one of the greatest batters Australia have had.
Cummins acknowledged that Smith is unlikely to be fully fit, but hoped he could set the discomfort aside, as he has before. He said Smith bounced back quickly the morning after the knock and has been fully involved in preparations. Cummins added that only Smith could speak for himself on the matter.
Australia have not yet named their team. Cummins did say there was “a 99% chance” that Cameron Green, now fit again, would return to the XI.
What happens next
The third Test starts on Tuesday at Newlands and will decide the series. Teams are expected to be confirmed closer to the start, with Smith’s fitness and Green’s return the main Australian talking points.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
