The sandpapergate scandal continues to cast a long shadow over Australian cricket, according to a BBC analysis published on November 10, 2026. Correspondent Stephan Shemilt notes that the ball‑tampering affair remains a defining stain on the team's reputation. Since taking over the Test captaincy in 2021, Pat Cummins has led Australia in 43 matches, but the legacy of the 2018 incident still influences perceptions of the side.
Australia doomed to live with stench of sandpapergate
