During the second Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval, a bold Indian fan sparked controversy by waving a piece of sandpaper in the stands. This act playfully yet pointedly referenced the infamous “Sandpapergate” scandal from 2018, when Australian players used sandpaper to tamper with the ball during a Test match against South Africa.
The incident took place on Day 3 of the pink-ball Test, with the fan sitting among a crowd of Australian supporters. While some onlookers found humor in the stunt, others reacted negatively. Security personnel swiftly intervened, removing the fan from the stadium as he continued to wave the sandpaper. The moment quickly went viral on social media, drawing attention to Australia’s past controversy, which is still a sore point for many Australian cricket fans.
The “Sandpapergate” scandal occurred during the third Test against South Africa in 2018 when Cameron Bancroft used sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition. The incident led to bans for Bancroft, Steve Smith, and David Warner, damaging Australia’s reputation in the cricketing world.
As for the match itself, India’s performance was less than stellar. After winning the first Test in Perth, India was comprehensively outplayed in Adelaide. Mitchell Starc’s six-wicket haul and Travis Head’s brilliant century put Australia in control, while Pat Cummins’ five-wicket performance sealed a dominant 10-wicket victory for the hosts. The loss leveled the series at 1-1, setting the stage for a crucial third Test in Brisbane on December 14, where India will aim to bounce back.
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